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GREEN BAY, Wis. — Despite the fading prospects of seizing the NFC North title, the Green Bay Packers, now playoff-bound, are optimistic about making a significant push towards their first Super Bowl appearance since their 2010 championship victory.
The confidence stems from a defense that is showing considerable improvement.
With an impressive performance that included seven sacks, the Packers (11-4) celebrated a 30-13 win in Seattle, followed by the league’s first shutout of the season—a commanding 34-0 victory over the New Orleans Saints, which also secured their playoff spot.
This marks their first shutout since a 17-0 win against Seattle during the 2021 season and their largest margin of victory since they triumphed over the Chicago Bears 55-14 in 2014.
Quarterback Jordan Love remarked on the remarkable efforts of the defense, stating, “We’ve noticed all along that the defense is a lot different this year, and they’ve been making some big-time plays all along. But any time you can hold anybody to zero points in the National Football League is pretty awesome.”
In an effort to develop a defense capable of contending for a championship, the Packers made a key decision in the offseason by parting ways with former defensive coordinator Joe Barry and inviting Jeff Hafley, the previous Boston College head coach, into the role. Transitioning from a 3-4 to a 4-3 defense, Hafley spotlighted the importance of creating more impactful plays.
So far, the Packers have excelled by accumulating 28 takeaways, exceeding last year’s total by 10, and ranking third in the NFL in this category. This is the best performance in terms of turnovers for Green Bay since 2011, when they had 38 takeaways.
Furthermore, the defense displays strong performance in multiple areas. The Packers are limiting opponents to an average of just 19.1 points per game, placing them sixth in the league for scoring defense. Their last time finishing among the top six in this category was in the 2010 season when they held teams to an average of 15 points.
In terms of yards allowed, the Packers limit opponents to 312.1 yards per game, ranking seventh overall in the league, positioning them for their highest end-of-season defensive rank since 2010, when they wrapped up the season in fifth place.
Edgerrin Cooper, a rookie linebacker and second-round pick, highlighted the collaboration within the unit, stating, “We’re all working together, and we’ve just got some nice playmakers.”
Over the last six games, the Packers have allowed 20 or more points only once—in a 34-31 loss at Detroit on December 5—and that is their only defeat during this stretch.
However, their impressive success on defense raises questions about whether it can be sustained as they head into the playoffs. Their shutout win came against a New Orleans team that started rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler due to an injury to Derek Carr, and they were also missing star running back Alvin Kamara.
Looking ahead, the challenge will intensify against the Minnesota Vikings (13-2) on Sunday night, who previously edged out the Packers 31-29 in a matchup at Lambeau Field on September 29. This game is notable as it will be the first time in the storied history of the rivalry that both franchises enter with at least 11 wins.
The Packers are eager to gauge their defensive prowess against another playoff-bound team as they prepare for postseason challenges.
As defensive lineman Kenny Clark mentioned, “We can do whatever we want to do. We write our own story at the end of the day. We’ve just got to keep on building.”
Highlights of their recent performance include a dominant rushing attack, having outrushed New Orleans 188 yards to 67, bringing their season total to 2,209 yards. This is the highest total for the Packers since the 2003 season when they rushed for 2,558 yards. Additionally, in their last four games, the pass rush has produced 16 sacks.
Green Bay has outscored opponents 102-34 in the first quarter. They also did not allow a single sack in their latest victory and have limited their overall sacks allowed to just five during their past eight games—the lowest number they’ve allowed in that span since 2004.
However, the team still needs to address penalties, with six infractions costing them 60 yards in their last game.
Positive development can be seen as quarterback Jordan Love has thrown for eight touchdowns without an interception during his last five games. Running back Josh Jacobs has rushed for a touchdown in six consecutive outings, setting a career high with 13 touchdown runs this season. Kicker Brandon McManus made field goals from 55 and 46 yards, boasting a conversion rate of 16 out of 17 for the season, including his longest of the year. Safety Zayne Anderson recorded his first interception in his initial start while defensive lineman Brenton Cox Jr. has notched three sacks in his last four games.
There are few negatives to note given the recent success, especially with such a commanding victory.
Injury updates indicate that head coach Matt LaFleur provided promising news regarding wide receiver Christian Watson, who injured his knee against the Saints, stating, “We got good news on him, so more just a bruise. … So we’ll see how he practices this week and see where we’re at.” Cornerback Jaire Alexander (knee) missed another game, and safety Javon Bullard (ankle), safety Evan Williams (quadriceps), and linebacker Quay Walker (ankle) were also sidelined.
An important statistic to keep in mind is 30, as the Packers have recorded at least 30 points in each of their last five games. This streak represents the second-longest in franchise history, with their record standing at seven consecutive games in 1963.
The Packers will conclude the regular season with a couple of divisional matchups, starting by visiting Minnesota on Sunday, followed by a home game against the Chicago Bears (4-11). Green Bay’s record against NFC North rivals this season is 1-3.
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