DEFENSE KEEPS PLAYOFF HOPES INTACT: Packers now up to 30% chance to make playoffs

Packers need to rally around defense, momentum
By: 
Luke Reimer
Reporter

A three-game winning streak has kept wind in the Green Bay Packers’ sails, as the 2022-23 regular season reaches the home stretch.

That comes after five games went Green Bay’s way in week 16, including its own win over the Miami Dolphins. The Packers still being alive come week 17 may be a shocker for fans, as many wrote off the team during a stretch where Green Bay lost seven out of eight games in the middle of the season.

Those feelings have quickly flipped, as the Packers defense has really kept this season alive. During Green Bay’s current three-game win streak, they have beaten the Chicago Bears, Los Angeles Rams and Miami Dolphins. Beating the Bears and Rams seemed likely as both of those teams are eliminated from playoff contention, but a win over Miami means a little bit more.

Thanks in part to the defensive play on Christmas, the Packers got that win. In the second half of that game against the Dolphins, the Packers defense blanked Miami, forcing interceptions on each of the last three drives.

“This team is just so resilient,” said Packers defensive tackle Kenny Clark.

Green Bay’s defense was able to seal this victory by causing four turnovers. Even after giving up big plays in the first half, Clark’s comment about resiliency is exactly what this Packers defense has shown. That idea of resiliency will need to be carried through the last two games of the regular season.

Coming up, the Packers will host the Minnesota Vikings on Jan. 1, in a game that should be a slugfest. Green Bay needs to win to keep its playoff hopes alive, while the Vikings are looking to sneak into the top seed in the playoffs and get a first-round bye.

One would have to imagine, too, that the Vikings would love to crush the Packers’ playoffs hopes in Green Bay. With superstars like Justin Jefferson, Dalvin Cook and T.J. Hockenson, the Packers will need to ride its defense once again to continue its march to the playoffs.

Playing a team like Minnesota or Miami, who both have a flurry of offensive weapons, is something that safety Adrian Amos is accustomed to, and noted that getting turnovers is the way to combat the talent.

“With takeaways, you keep giving offense opportunities and we lessen their opportunities to get down the field,” said Amos.

It makes sense — turning over the opposing team limits their opportunities to score the ball. That should be the trick as well to take down Minnesota, who averages 25.2 points per game this year. That might be easier said than done though, as Minnesota has only recorded 17 giveaways all season, which is tied for seventh fewest in the NFL. On the other hand, the Packers have recorded 20 takeaways this year, which is tied for 12th in the NFL.

“I think it comes down to all 11 playing the call and doing the best that they can,” said Packers head coach Matt LaFleur on how the defense can continue to perform well through adjustments.

With the defense playing well and the offense complimenting the defense, the Packers have put together a three-game win streak. More than a three-game win streak though — the Packers have momentum.

After recording 13 wins in each of the last three seasons, the Packers have not needed regular season momentum in a number of years. Similar to the NCAA basketball tournament, a team that can get hot before the playoffs can do some damage once it is there. Think of the Cincinnati Bengals last season.

“We’ve been in a good rhythm, practice, energy, cohesion, and playing a little better complimentary football,” said Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. “It’s a good win for us.”

Building off that momentum, the Packers will need to win each of its final two regular season games. That’s not it though. Moving forward, the Packers also need either the Washington Commanders to lose one of its last two games, or the New York Giants to lose both of its remaining games.

Washington ends its season with two home games, one against the Cleveland Browns in week 17 and one against the Dallas Cowboys in week 18. The Giants, on the other hand, have the Colts and Eagles on the schedule. It seems more likely for Washington to lose one game — especially since Dallas needs to win that week 18 matchup if it wants to take home the NFC East crown.

lreimer@newmedia-wi.com