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The Packers’ defense isn’t bad, but it’s certainly been a bit inconsistent over the past couple of games.
There have been dominant stretches — the Cowboys didn’t advance the ball more than 15 yards on any of their first three drives, and the Bengals managed just 21 total yards on their first four. But for every stretch of dominance, there’s been an equal (or worse) stretch of apparent ineptitude. The defense has forced just one punt in the respective second halves of their last two games.
Were these just bad matchups? Does Davante Wyatt’s absence really matter that much? Is there a schematic issue that’s going unaddressed?
It’s probably some combination of these things and more. The bigger question is whether or not it can get fixed, and I think there’s good reason to believe it can.
Jeff Hafley’s defense evolved over the course of last season. He identified and implemented creative solutions for their lack of pass rush, and I think there’s no reason he can’t do the same to address the Packers’ problems with the opponents running an ultra-quick passing game. (And to that point, not everybody is going to be able to count on winning with a pair of receivers like Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.)
The Packers will probably see some positive regression in their turnover situation, too. They’ve only forced two takeaways so far this season, but it wouldn’t be hard to record double that number over the next four games by sheer dumb luck alone. If the ball starts bouncing their way, the Packers’ defense will probably start looking a lot more competent in both halves of upcoming football games.
Packers seeking fix for defensive woes in second halves | ESPN
The first half hasn’t been a problem for the Packers, but after the break things tend to fall apart a bit on defense.
Here’s Big Takeaway on Packers’ Surprising Defensive Troubles | Sports Illustrated
The big takeaway is the lack of takeaways.
Golden had his best game of the season on Sunday, but don’t expect a significant uptick in opportunities.
Tucker Kraft’s value keeps growing even when he’s not touching the ball | Packers News
Tucker Kraft is growing into his role as one of the best tight ends in the league.
Football is more than just a game to Nazir Stackhouse | Packers.com
It’s a shame that this excellent piece on Stackhouse is out just as it appears his star is fading a bit, but it’s still worth a read.
California grower’s 2,346-pound pumpkin wins world championship | UPI
Now that’s a big pumpkin.
