Green Bay Packers Defense-Three Reasons To Be Excited
By Joe Kiemen
The Packers defense must get in as many third and long situations as possible to take advantage of their pass rush unit.
Early in the week two match up with against Minnesota, one of the most exciting moments was seeing Clay Matthews, Nick Perry, Datone Jones and Julius Peppers all charging forward at Sam Bradford.
Because players such as Mike Daniels, Blake Martinez and Jake Ryan had consistently done their job on first and second down, the Packers were able to send the foursome on to the field several times.
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With Perry and Matthews coming off the edge and Peppers and Jones up the middle, teams must face a lethal group of pass rushers who know its a passing situation. Each of these players presents a unique combination of strength and speed that allows for an effective straight ahead rush and stunting combinations.
This strategy worked early for the Packers as Peppers and Jones got to Bradford simultaneously for a sack. Both Matthews and Perry made got to Bradford as a part of the pass rushing unit.
It will be important that the group continue its success on passing downs with the current struggles going on in the secondary.
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As fans it is always easier to find reasons to worry about our team. It is important that we also celebrate what is going well. So far this season, the Packers defense seen surprising performances by the defensive tackles, young middle linebackers and a fun combination of the teams top pass rushers.