The Green Bay Packers have won two straight, and the play of backup quarterback Malik Willis and running back Josh Jacobs has rightfully earned plenty of attention.
What may be flying under the radar is just how instrumental the Green Bay defense has been in the Packers’ success.
Through three games, the Packers lead the NFL in turnover differential by a substantial margin. Green Bay has an NFL-best nine takeaways, leading the league with seven interceptions and tying for second with two fumble recoveries. The Pack has already matched its interception total from all of last season.
In their 30-14 win over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, the Packers forced three turnovers, picking off a pair of passes and recovering a fumble. They also got a Jaire Alexander interception return for a score.
Green Bay has three takeaways in each game this season.
The Packers sacked Titans quarterback Will Levis eight times, the most for any Green Bay defense since 2005. It was only the second time in team history the Packers posted at least eight sacks, forced three turnovers, and a pick-six.
“Man, them boys were on their ass like a back pocket,” guard Elgton Jenkins said.
Those game-changing plays have been huge for a Packers defense led by its third different coordinator in six seasons under head coach Matt LaFleur. Jeff Hafley put a premium on creating havoc when he arrived this offseason.
“Making negative-yardage plays, and that’s sacks, that’s TFLs (tackles for loss), that’s just impacting the game in the backfield,” said defensive end Lukas Van Ness. “And if we can shut down the run, then it’s going to trickle down to the rest of the defense.”
The Packers still have areas of improvement. They rank 15th in points allowed (19.3 points per game), and 11th in total yards.
However, if they can continue to generate pressure and create turnovers, this defense and a healthy Jordan Love could carry the Packers to the top of the NFC by season’s end.
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