Following the Green Bay Packers head-to-head matchup with the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday, the Packers defensive line needs to make adjustments. With less than two weeks until Wild Card Weekend, Green Bay has yet to win a game against the top threats of the NFC. In taking a look at possible solutions for improving play against these juggernauts and preparing for the playoffs, the application of quarterback pressure sticks out as a glaring issue that defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley has to find an answer to regarding the Packers’ defensive line.
Packers Defensive Line Needs To Improve Come Playoffs
The Green Bay Packers are more often than not going to have to face one of the three teams they have taken losses to come playoff time. The Packers can not afford to stay stagnant in future matchups with these teams on the defensive side of the ball.
Quarterback Success Against Packers Defensive Line
In the five games that Titletown has dropped against the Eagles, Lions, and Vikings, the Packers defense has allowed 30 points per game, 1.4 sacks per game, and 270.6 passing yards per game, which would all be league worsts. If we include the eleven games Green Bay has won, the Packers go from last in the league in points allowed, sacks, and passing yards to 5th, 7th, and 10th, respectively.
The bottom line is that the Packers do not put enough pressure on guys like Jalen Hurts, Sam Darnold, and Jared Goff. These are all quarterbacks that are guaranteed to make teams pay if there is a failure to do so.
Packers Defensive Line Against Vikings
In the Packers’ 27-25 loss at Minnesota, Darnold rarely felt the pressure of the Packers defensive front as he was able to generate many big plays downfield. The secondary was able to shut down star receiver Justin Jefferson for most of the first half, as he saw his first target with six minutes to go in the second quarter and only caught two passes for 13 yards. Yet, the front was reluctant to help make Darnold’s throws to his backup receivers more difficult.
Success of Vikings Pass Catchers
T.J. Hockenson, Jalen Nailor, and Jordan Addison accumulated nine 10+ yard first-down conversions, including four on third down, before Jefferson converted a first down downfield. After Jefferson got going, Darnold finished with 16 completions of 10 or more yards, five of them occurring on third down.
With so much attention towards shutting down receivers like Jefferson, it is a given for other receivers to see more openings downfield. Darnold’s first look is going to be towards Jefferson most of the time and it is the job of the defensive line to not allow quarterbacks time to easily find their second and third options for large gainers.
How Does This Affect The Playoffs?
The Philadelphia Eagles and the Los Angeles Rams are the most likely opponents for the Packers’ defense to be up against on Wild Card Weekend. With both teams having outstanding first and second options at receiver, pressure needs to be applied quickly for guys like Cooper Kupp and Devonta Smith to see minimal production if the secondary chooses to focus on shutting down Puka Nacua and A.J. Brown.
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