In order for the Packers to remain breathing for a postseason berth, the defense has to get better.
With the Panthers playing strong, the only way Green Bay touches the playoffs is by winning the NFC North.
And if Aaron Rodgers is out for another 3-5 weeks, the defense must get turnovers.
I thought this defense was going to be the glue that kept it all together this season. And, for the most part the defense has.
A.J. Hawk has enjoyed a resurgence, Mike Neal has played well and Micah Hyde has even proven that he can be more than a bit player.
But lapses in concentration coupled with big scoring plays have exposed this defense recently. The entire reason B.J. Raji was drafted out of Boston College was so that he could clog up the interior and stop the run. Well, he’s taken plenty of plays off and has fans forever thinking of ‘Gravedigger’ when the oversized nose tackle, with a great namesake hamburger, absolutely tore up offensive line’s blocking schemes.
Ever since Morgan Burnett returned to the secondary, I honestly haven’t noticed a dramatic change. In six games, he only has three passes defended. That’s not exactly getting it done for a guy expected to be the new Charles Woodson.
Everyone seems to think that Rodgers holds the key to the Packers’ 2013 playoff aspirations. Nope. It’s the defense, because when Rodgers is getting electric stimulation in hopes of bringing his collarbone back to life, the defense will be held responsible while a third-string quarterback is left to pull the strings on an offense that clinically abused defenses for much of the year.
The Packers player with the most sacks is Mike Daniels who is tied for 41st with 4½ sacks. That is pathetic. Several Packers are tied for 67th with one pick. That’s got to change.
The offense may be going through growing pains, but it’s the defense that needs to grow up.
——————Cory Jennerjohn is from Wisconsin and has been in sports media for over 10 years. To contact Cory e-mail him at jeobs -at- yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter: Cory Jennerjohn
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