Packers defense proves it can win games

Coming into the 2022 season, high expectations were set on Green Bay’s defense, as on paper it looked like one of the better units in the NFL.

After a poor passing defensive performance in week one and a poor rushing defensive performance in week two, the defense fully came together in Green Bay’s week three win over Tampa Bay. The Packers held the Buccaneers to just 12 points and one touchdown pass from quarterback Tom Brady.

While Green Bay’s offense jumped out to a hot start, scoring on the team’s first two drives, it stalled after an Aaron Jones fumble at the goal line gave the Buccaneers the ball back late in the second quarter.

Though the offense may not have achieved expectations against Tampa Bay, the defense more than made up for it, holding Buccaneers running back Leonard Fournette to just 35 rushing yards. Not only was Fournette getting stuffed, Brady and the passing game suffered three sacks by way of two from defensive tackle Kenny Clark and one from linebacker Rashan Gary.

The defense really proved itself though, after Tampa Bay’s offense marched down the field and scored a touchdown to cut Green Bay’s lead to two with 14 seconds remaining in the game. On the subsequent two-point conversion attempt, Brady’s pass was deflected on the outstretched arm of Packers linebacker De’Vondre Campbell.

“One thing we always talk to our guys about is just how do we respond when adversity strikes and I thought, just specifically our defense, to allow a touchdown there on the two minute drive and to reset themselves and play that final play,” said Packers head coach Matt LaFleur. “I just loved how we responded.”

LaFleur said that he thought this win over Tampa Bay was “gritty.” While that may be because of the low scoring, the turnovers favoring Green Bay played a factor in their win. Green Bay forced three fumbles, recovering two of them. The Packers are now minus two in the turnover differential category, but the game against Tampa Bay proved that if the offense turns the ball over, the defense can turn the ball over and win the game.

With a core of defenders that include Preston Smith, Adrian Amos and Jaire Alexander, none may be more crucial that Campbell. The one-time First-Team All-Pro selection has turned into the leader of the defense. Against Tampa Bay, Campbell recorded 14 tackles, which lead the team.

“He’s a special player,” said quarterback Aaron Rodgers, talking about Campbell. “He is coming into his own as a leader, but it always amazes me, even after a game like this, to think back to a couple of years ago when nobody really wanted him and he was out there as a late signing free agent, and here is 14 tackles today, deflection at the end of the game — says a lot about the type of person that he is.”

While a lot of expectations were high on the secondary and young linebackers, Clark has once again proved himself as one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL. Much of Fournette’s disappointment on the ground came as a result of Clark’s inside play, as his two sacks, coupled with four tackles prevented Brady and company from being comfortable.

Gathering all of those pieces together, plus the secondary, Green Bay put together a great performance and shut down a high octane offense like Tampa Bay. Packers fans may be accustomed to Green Bay winning games with the offense, but the reverse may be a part of the team moving forward. With teams like Buffalo, Minnesota and the Los Angeles Rams on the schedule, the defense will need to be as good as they were against the Buccaneers.

“We are more concerned about getting better — getting better each and every week,” said LaFleur on if he is happy with a 2-1 record. “You never want to finish where you start, so you have to keep improving.”

Another highlight of Green Bay’s defense was Keisean Nixon, who replaced and injured Alexander. Nixon finished the game with six tackles, which was third on the team. Nixon also forced one fumble of the three total.

While the offense only scored 14 points in week three, if the defense can continue to improve, that may be as many points as Green Bay needs to win games.

lreimer@newmedia-wi.com