While the Packers only sit at 1-1, there are a lot of stats to like from the team. The Packers are the least penalized team in the league and many defensive players are rated top 5 at their position. Another defensive stat says a lot about the Packers defensive line. Take a look at this insane stat about the Packers pass rush.
The Packers Pass Rush Is Generating Pressure
The teams with the highest pressure % this season💪 pic.twitter.com/CebLh9MAcP
— PFF (@PFF) September 23, 2022
According to Pro Football Focus, the Packers are generating pressure on 64% of defensive stats. That is an insane stat for the Packers pass rush. Basically 2 out of every 3 plays sees the Packers opponent making a throw under pressure. The even crazier thing about this stat is the distance between them and second place. The Buffalo Bills sit in second at 51% pressure rate. The Packers sit at 13 percentage points higher than them. While the Packers have not racked up a ton of sacks this season, the pressure is causing poor throws and tackles for loss.
Fix The Run Defense
If the Packers can fix the run defense, they will have a top unit in the league. Last week, the Packers struggled against David Montgomery and the Bears giving up big runs. When the Packers opponents get into passing situations, Rashan Gary, Preston Smith, and Kenny Clark are creating havok in the backfield. The key is getting to those passing situations. On Sunday night, anytime Justin Fields went back to pass, he didn’t look comfortable. Even in week 1, Kirk Cousins was under lots of pressure but blown coverages on the back end led to big plays. If the Packers can solve their run defense, this unit will be hard to move the ball against.
A two week sample size is small. This number will probably come down as the Packers play stiffer competition. The Vikings and Bears offensive line don’t exactly strike fear into many teams. However, it could continue in the short term. Tampa Bay’s offensive line is banged up and Tom Brady isn’t the most mobile quarterback. If the Packers can stop the running attack, expect Brady to be under a lot of pressure throughout the game.
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