Green Bay Packers: Talking Defense in Preseason Opener

Game one of the 2015 season, in the books. The Green Bay Packers kicked off their preseason Thursday night, defeating the New England Patriots by a score of 22-11.

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The seven months of anticipation finally came to a conclusion as the team hit the field for the first time since their heartbreaking loss to the Seattle Seahawks back in January.

The offense, with all starters returning from last season, is exactly where one might expect them to be in the first preseason matchup. It’s the other side of the ball that provides a little more intrigue. The defense lost several key contributors this offseason and is looking to replenish with a new crop of young talent.

As we discussed earlier, there were several roster battles that required our attention, only to be intensified with preseason action.

Having watched the first game unfold on national television, it is important to examine just how well the defense played. Take this all with a grain of salt, however, as the first game is the time for players to shake off the rust before more meaningful matchups.

Let’s take a look at the hard numbers and then try to make sense of them with a drive-by-drive analysis of the Packers defensive efforts.

Patriots Offensive Stats

Passing yards: 169 yards (Jimmy Garoppolo 20-of-30 for 159 yards, 1 INT; Tom Brady 1-of-4 for 10 yards)

Rushing yards: 94 yards on 18 attempts (5.2 yards/carry).

Third down efficiency: 5/14 (35%)

Fourth down efficiency: 0/2 (0%)

Red zone efficiency: 0/0

Packers Defensive Stats

Sacks: 7 (52 yards)

Interceptions: 1

Forced fumbles: 0

Time of Possession: 34:40 (Packers) vs. 25:20 (Patriots)

Next: Quarter One - Patriots Offense