Brenton Cox Jr.

OLB · Green Bay Packers vs Atlanta Falcons · 25 graded snaps

Replacement

Cox flashed solid run defense and backfield penetration, but an ineffective pass rush and a disastrous third-down roughing the passer penalty dragged his mark down to replacement level.

Run defense7314Pass rush4510Coverage741

The full breakdown

Cox was productive as a run defender (72 grade), consistently setting a firm edge and making splash stops, highlighted by beating the right tackle inside for a tackle for loss in the first quarter (Q1 11:03). He also demonstrated great effort by rallying across the field to blow up a swing pass (Q3 06:26). However, his pass rush facet was a net negative (45 grade), as he regularly rushed past the quarterback or failed to shed chips. His overall grade was severely suppressed at Q1 03:10 on 3rd & 11, where an unnecessary roughing the passer penalty wiped out an incompletion and gifted Atlanta a first down.

Strengths

Setting the edge against tight ends
Backfield penetration vs the run
High-effort backside pursuit

Weaknesses

Costly discipline lapse (roughing the passer)
Rushing past pocket depth
Handling pulling blockers

Plays that moved the grade

-2Q1 03:10, 3rd & 11Committed a catastrophic roughing the passer penalty by hitting the quarterback late on an incompletion, surrendering an automatic first down.
+1.5Q1 11:03, 2nd & 10Quickly beat the right tackle inside at the snap to penetrate into the backfield and tackle the running back for a one-yard loss.
+1.5Q3 06:26, 2nd & 9Diagnosed a swing pass, peeled off his backside rush, and sprinted across the field to make the tackle for just a two-yard gain.

Every graded snap · 12 wins or losses, 13 routine

-0.5Q1 12:33 · 1 & 10 · Run defenseRushes upfield on the backside and is easily sealed out of the play by the left tackle.
+0.5Q1 11:52 · 2 & 3 · Run defenseSets a strong edge against the playside tight end, forcing the run inside and leaving no room to bounce.
+1.5Q1 11:03 · 2 & 10 · Run defenseLined up at LE. Wins inside immediately against the RT (#71) off the snap, penetrating the backfield to tackle the RB for a loss.
-2Q1 03:10 · 3 & 11 · Pass rushCommits a catastrophic roughing the passer penalty by taking extra steps and hitting the QB late, giving the offense a free first down on 3rd and 11.
-0.5Q2 00:28 · 1 & 10 · Pass rushTries a speed rush outside but is washed past the depth of the quarterback.
+1Q2 00:25 · 2 & 10 · Run defenseSets a strong edge against the left tackle, sheds the block, and cleans up the tackle when the back tries to cut back.
+1.5Q3 06:26 · 2 & 9 · CoverageReads the swing pass immediately, abandons his backside rush, and sprints across the field to make the tackle for a short gain.

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Brenton Cox Jr.'s season grades →