Packers hope Peppers packs punch on defense

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — The Packers are hoping prized offseason acquisition Julius Peppers can pack a punch on the pass rush.

Peppers has impressed his new teammates in offseason workouts. The 34-year-old hybrid defensive end-linebacker has 118 ½ sacks since entering the league in 2002, second in the NFL in the span.

But he's coming off a 2013 season in which he had just seven sacks with the Bears, his lowest total in his four years in Chicago.

Peppers said he's fine. Coach Mike McCarthy hopes Peppers will be a good fit on a defense being tweaked after sagging in the second half.

Peppers will join linebacker Clay Matthews as outside rushers. Matthews is recovering from a right thumb injury, but is aiming for a return in training camp in a couple months.

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