The Green Bay Packers are currently 5-2, but, it feels as if they are having a disappointing season.
The main reason being — I know Packer fans aren’t going to like hearing this — their defense has allowed some big-time performances over the last two seasons.
Aaron Rodgers has been defended by the media in the past, creating the narrative that the defense never performed well enough in the big moment.
Then, the Packers exuded some draft picks on the secondary with Jaire Alexander, Josh Jackson, Kevin King, etc. and it appeared to be working as the defense had their moments last year.
Last offseason, they also signed Preston Smith and Za’Darius Smith, who impacted the game in the trenches.
But, now, the Packers do not feel like a championship team because of the defenses recent struggles.
Quite frankly, it is the rush defense that has been their kryptonite.
Mike Pettine Is Failing As A DC
Last year, the Green Bay Packers faced the San Francisco 49ers twice.
One time in the regular season and one time in the postseason.
In both meetings, combined, they allowed 397 rushing yards.
As it currently stands, the Packers are a middle of the pact rushing defense, allowing 119.0 rushing yards per game.
Perhaps, what is hurting this Packers defense the most, is losing LB Blake Martinez.
Blake Martinez is signing a 3-year, $30m deal with the Giants per @RapSheet
Martinez: 38th ranked LB in 2019. pic.twitter.com/2kqtFJ54YV
— PFF (@PFF) March 17, 2020
It is worth noting that Martinez is currently tied for first in total tackles (82).
Ironically, what is hurting the Packers rushing defense the most, is their lack of physicality.
In the two meetings against the Vikings, they allowed over 100 rushing yards.
In their Week 8 defeat, Dalvin Cook was cooking all day long, as he was responsible for all four the Vikings touchdowns.
All of this falls on the shoulders of the defensive coordinator, as it is there job to put their guys in the right position to succeed.
Along with that, they must also teach the fundamentals about tackling and playing aggressive.
The Green Bay Packers Aren’t As Physical As They Need To Be
Let’s call it how we see it.
The Packers front seven is not nearly as physical enough as they need to be in order to win a championship.
Football is a game of inches and in between the white lines, it typically shows which team wants it more.
DALVIN COOK HAS 4 TDS TODAY 🤯
HE IS SPECIAL.
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/GCNZrGDLGp
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 1, 2020
On this play alone, numerous tackles are missed and multiple players take poor angles.
Looking at the game film along with the highlights (clip below), you’ll see how many times the Packers miss tackles.
32 touches, 226 yards & 4 TDs. 💪
A career day for @dalvincook!@Vikings | #Skol pic.twitter.com/YFoe2wfoye
— NFL (@NFL) November 2, 2020
Too many times throughout this game, the Packers got manhandled up front.
The linebackers and secondary players were out of position and seemed scared to make a play on the ball.
Adrian Amos on how the #Packers run defense can improve: “Start tackling the man with the ball.”
— Lily Zhao (@LilySZhao) November 1, 2020
Simple is better.
Packers S Adrian Amos understands that the Packers defense is just lacking the necessary fundamental skills.
The Packers have looked dominant in certain games. But, when faced with a solid rushing attack, their defense folds.
This week, they face the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday Night Football.
However, they are dealing with multiple injuries on both sides of the ball.
Coach Kyle Shanahan is going to rely on his rushing attack to help Nick Mullens establish a rhythm.
It is put up or shut up time for Mike Pettine and this Packers defense.
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