Darnell Savage Reflects on Missed Opportunity, Uncertain Future after Packers Playoff Exit
Green Bay Packers’ veteran safety, Darnell Savage, found himself immersed in regret over a missed interception opportunity in the recent playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers. As the team cleared out their lockers following the 24-21 loss in the NFC divisional playoff round, Savage, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent, couldn’t shake off the disappointment of a crucial moment.
The incident occurred early in the game, during the 49ers’ opening possession, when Savage intercepted a pass from Brock Purdy intended for Brandon Aiyuk near midfield. The play mirrored his success from the previous week against the Dallas Cowboys, where he returned a Dak Prescott pass for a 64-yard touchdown, contributing to the Packers’ 48-32 wild card victory. However, this time, Savage’s anticipation got the best of him, and he dropped the potential interception.
Reflecting on the missed opportunity, Savage admitted to making a “rookie mistake,” acknowledging that he was already thinking about scoring another touchdown before securing the ball. Despite the uncertainty of whether the interception would have changed the outcome of the game, Savage couldn’t help but wish for an extended playoff run, possibly his last with the Packers.
Selected in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Savage played the 2023 season on a one-year, fully guaranteed $7.9 million fifth-year option. In contrast, his fellow first-round pick, edge rusher Rashan Gary, secured a four-year, $96 million extension. Savage, who faced injury setbacks during the season, played 558 total regular-season snaps (50.2%) and recorded 50 tackles with one pass breakup.
While Savage’s statistics may not tell the whole story, his playoff performance saw him on the field for 133 of the Packers’ 145 defensive snaps. Despite missing a few plays when starters were rested against the Cowboys, Savage remained a significant contributor during the postseason. Regardless of whether his touchdown against Dallas marks the end of his Packers career, Savage remains composed about his future.
The 79-game (including playoffs) journey with the Packers has been a mixed bag for Savage. A standout starter as a rookie in defensive coordinator Mike Pettine’s system, he showed promise with six interceptions in his first two seasons. However, under Pettine’s successor, Joe Barry, Savage appeared out of place, with decreased interception numbers and an increase in missed tackles.
Benched during the second half of the 2022 season due to tackling issues, Savage eventually reclaimed his starting position. The guaranteed salary for 2023 likely played a role in the Packers retaining him, despite concerns about his performance. While 2023 did not yield impressive numbers for Savage, his return coincided with improved communication in the defense’s back end, contributing to overall defensive improvement.
Head coach Matt LaFleur highlighted Savage’s communication skills, emphasizing the importance of unity among the 11 players on the field. LaFleur, in his end-of-season Q&A session with reporters, dismissed questions about defensive coordinator Joe Barry’s job status. Still, Savage’s future could be intertwined with any decisions regarding Barry.
Savage acknowledges the frustration stemming from his belief in his abilities and potential. Whether he remains with the Packers or explores opportunities elsewhere, Savage remains optimistic about his growth. While uncertainties linger about his future, especially in the context of potential changes to the coaching staff, Savage remains unfazed.
Expressing gratitude for his time in Green Bay and the camaraderie with his teammates, Savage exudes confidence in his ability to adapt to whatever comes next. As the uncertainty looms over his future, Savage emphasizes that he is not nervous, portraying a sense of gratitude for the experiences and the symbol of “greatness” that the Green Bay ‘G’ represents.
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