GREEN BAY – Outside linebacker Reggie Gilbert waited a long time for his first opportunity.
An undrafted rookie in 2016, Gilbert spent all of last season on the Packers' practice squad. He was there again for all of 2017 until this past week, when he was signed to the active roster the day before the Minnesota game last Saturday night.
Gilbert made a decent first impression despite not piling up a ton of stats or making any major highlight reels. But he held his own against the run for the most part, and he flashed some pass rush throughout his 40-plus snaps.
Here's a quick glance at a handful of plays where Gilbert's pass rush showed up.
Play No. 1: Second-and-7 from the Green Bay 41, first quarter, 8:42 left
Result: Incomplete pass
The Packers have had trouble with the screen pass all season, but give credit here to DE Dean Lowry (94) for snuffing this one out and making it difficult for QB Case Keenum (7) to fit the ball in to RB Jerick McKinnon (21). As far as Gilbert is concerned, his speed clearly catches veteran TE Kyle Rudolph (82) off-guard. As Rudolph slides across the formation, Gilbert is his assignment but doesn't lay a hand on him.
Play No. 2: Third-and-2 from the Minnesota 36, first quarter, 5:36 left
Result: 9-yard sack by DT Kenny Clark
Great work by Clark on a stunt with Mike Daniels here to get the sack, but Gilbert helps by giving Keenum no escape route. Showing he's got a little power to go with that speed, Gilbert bulls RT Mike Remmers (74) right back into Keenum's lap.
Play No. 3: Third-and-4 from the Minnesota 27, second quarter, 11:16 left
Result: Incomplete pass
Again, Gilbert isn't the one who makes the play here, but his bull rush gets Remmers on skates on the slippery turf as Clark and Lowry bury Keenum just after releasing the ball. It's too bad S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (21) couldn't pull in the INT.
Play No. 4: Third-and-3 from the Green Bay 47, third quarter, 12:08 left
Result: Incomplete pass
It's not just about speed or strength, there's also plenty of technique involved. Watch closely here how Gilbert knocks Remmers' hands away quickly and forcefully, and it gives him the edge to get the pressure and QB hit on Keenum.
Play No. 5: Third-and-10 from the Minnesota 27, fourth quarter, 13:46 left
One final one to show, as Gilbert turns the corner on Remmers and joins Clark in the backfield for another hit on Keenum.
