Green Bay Packers: 5 Early signs they’re Super Bowl contenders
By Joe Kipp
5. The defense hasn’t hit its stride yet
The Packers offense has been lighting up the scoreboard so far this season, which has distracted criticism on the other side of the ball. Green Bay’s defense has plenty of work to do in order to be one of the NFL’s top 10, but that’s actually a good thing.
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Yes, you read that right. The Packers defense hasn’t hit its stride yet, and that’s okay. Green Bay is dominating opponents so far this season without its defense performing at a championship level. Which begs the question: what happens if it starts to click for Mike Pettine’s side?
Green Bay’s pass-rushing unit is one of the best in the NFL and their cornerback duo is as good as any. But the run defense is a sign for major concern. Star nose tackle Kenny Clark has missed six quarters of football this season due to a groin injury, which doesn’t help in Green Bay’s effort at stopping the run. The Packers currently rank 30th in yards per carry allowed (5.2).
Once Clark returns the Packers will have a much easier time defending the run. He’s easily one of the NFL’s best interior defenders, particularly at stuffing the run. The main point in all of this is that Green Bay is winning despite a weak run defense. If the offense can keep producing, opponents will have to play catch up every game. Just imagine if the run defense does start producing.