It was a rough and disappointing 2022 for the Green Bay Packers. It also proved to be a big learning experience for a talented rookie linebacker.
The 22nd overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft certainly made an impression on the team that selected him. Former University of Georgia linebacker Quay Walker put together some solid numbers in his first NFL season. There were a team-high 119 tackles, to go along with 1.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and seven passes defended.
There was also another number. That would be two, as in the number of times the former Bulldog was ejected from a game this past season. The first time was on a Sunday night at Buffalo (Week 8), the second in the last game of 2022 at home vs. the Lions. Both occurred in prime time, and each is something the young player has focused on since the club' disappointing 8-9 showing ended.
Quay Walker has reflected thoughtfully on ejections that hurt Packers in 2022
"To be honest with you, this entire offseason I thought about the two ejections," explained Walker this weekend (via ESPN's Rob Demovsky). "It was hard giving myself grace on that, but at the same time, I've moved past it. The past is the past, and I'm just ready to move forward and just learn from it. Of course, I can say that, but I have to do it by my actions. So, I'm just ready to go from there."
The Packers' defense really needs to step up this season, especially with a young quarterback at the controls. It's not a unit without talent, led by defensive lineman Kenny Clark, linebackers Walker, Preston Smith and De'Vondre Campbell, cornerback Jaire Alexander. Joe Barry's unit slipped to 17th in the league in total yards per game allowed, and only six teams in the NFL gave up more rushing yards per game.
Despite those solid numbers during his debut campaign, Walker must become more of a force and perhaps a little less forceful, per se.
"I know most teams will label me a hothead, so I kind of am already preparing for what's going to happen and things like that," added Walker (to Demovsky). "So, I've just got to be ready for everything that's going to come. I know it's going to come Week 1, with it being a rivalry game (against the Bears). Every week, teams will try to go at me, so I'm already preparing for it."