The Green Bay Packers have plenty of issues to address on the training ground after the Minnesota Vikings edged them out in Week 4.
The biggest issue for many Packers fans was Jordan Love’s terrible play under center. While he did throw for four touchdowns, he committed three interceptions that erased any kind of momentum their high-octane offense generated.
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Another problem they faced was with their kicker. It became clear to fans that Brayden Narveson was not the answer at kicker, with the 25-year-old North Carolina State product having a field goal percentage that is less than acceptable for a team gunning for the Super Bowl. Despite Matt LaFleur throwing his support behind his rookie kicker, many still want him out of the squad.
However, the defense was also just as liable as their QB who just got back from injury. One analyst went all in on the Packers pass rush for failing to limit Sam Darnold from facilitating a win for the visiting Packers.
Analyst hounds Green Bay Packers’ pass rush for failing to contain Sam Darnold
Acme Packing Company’s Justis Mosqueda didn’t hold back with his criticism regarding how the Packers’ defensive line failed to overcome Minnesota Vikings’ offensive line when the Vikings visited Lambeau Field.
He pointed to a worrying stat that emphasizes how terrible the defense has performed so far:
Per NFL Pro, the league-wide pressure rate on passing downs for a player lining up in “defensive end” alignment (minimum 55 snaps) is 12.5 percent. The Packers’ best pass rusher, from this rate perspective, is Rashan Gary with an 11.7 pressure rate (11 pressures over 94 snaps) this season. Still, that’s below the NFL average, which means that Gary’s value has been roughly equal to the average of the 71 qualifying edge rushers around the league.
The Packers’ defensive line was one of the most dangerous outfits for opposing QBs last season, completing 149 pressures at 24.3%. While there is still plenty of football left to be played, it’s concerning that the Green Bay defense is struggling to contain solid offenses when they’re supposed to compete for the Lombardi this year.
If Matt LaFleur wants to make a serious Super Bowl bid in January, he needs his defense to be locked in. The D-line personnel should also step up their game if they want to ease the pressure on the offense.
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