The Packers defense left no stone unturned on Sunday night. Jonathan Gannon continues to call a highly aggressive defense, managing effortlessly without two top players.
The trio of Evan Williams, Xavier McKinney and Javon Bullard are making key plays every week. Going into Sunday night, the Packers led the NFL in interceptions. In this game, Williams and Brandon Cisse kept it going by adding two more interceptions.
Adversity continues to strike with highly questionable penalties. However, the defense did not let it control the outcome. For three weeks in a row, Gannon’s unit has not given up more than fourteen points.
The linebacking core is stepping up in the absence of Edgerrin Cooper, with solid veteran leadership from Zaire Franklin and Isaiah McDuffie.
The Cowboys are a high-powered offense, yet the Packers kept both CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens in check. Limiting the receiving duo to just 110 yards and a touchdown.
After a major loss to the Falcons in week three, the season felt dead in the water. With a revamping of the offensive line and a strong defense, the season has plenty of hope.
Packers Look to Build Momentum with the Lions Next
A huge criticism of the Packers became their inability to finish games. Now, with three wins in a row, the narrative is being rewritten.
This win is a perfect opportunity for growth. Dropped passes plagued the offense all night, with at least three touchdowns left on the field. The running game continues to be non-existent. If this team wants to build momentum, it starts with establishing a run game.
Josh Jacobs has been on the commissioner’s exempt list for the past six weeks. Since May, Jacobs has been subject to an investigation regarding domestic abuse. The NFL will remain ongoing with the investigation, and an additional suspension remains a possibility.
For now, Jacobs will begin practicing this week setting his debut for next Sunday at the Lions. The run needs any kind of boost, and the blocking has to improve. Truly anything has to be better than twenty carries for a whopping thirty-six yards.
In LaFleur’s post-game press conference, he reiterated the need to get the run game going. LaFleur focused on the inconsistent play and being in second and long situations.
Jordan Love hasn’t had much go right in terms of limited rushing and a shaky offensive line. However, Love continues to thrive and remains calm in the pocket. Despite several drops, Love completed 23 out of 41 passes, rushed for one touchdown with one interception.
Kevin Zeitler has yet to get on the field. With a struggling offensive line performance, there is a good chance we will see him against the Lions.
NFC North Continues to Dominate
The game between the Packers and the Cowboys showed a stark difference in the divisions of the NFC North and East. The NFC North continues to ascend, while the NFC East is plummeting quickly.
All four teams in the north have winning records, making the climb to a division title a challenge. Caleb Williams is back for the Bears, the Vikings have a suffocating defense, and the Lions have an explosive offense.
Much like the Cowboys, the Lions secondary has been historically bad. This is a great time for the receivers to work on those drops and capitalize on touchdowns for this match up.
The Packers will need to especially take advantage of opportunities in a division game. You simply cannot afford to leave points on the field. Every single drive matters that much more.
Overall, this game felt like the Packers had complete control. Nevertheless, they are going into a stretch where the Lions and Panthers await. It is time to continue passing the test and get on top of the NFC North.
