Green Bay Packers: 5 reasons why they are Super Bowl contenders

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GREEN BAY, WI – SEPTEMBER 14: Defensive end Mike Daniels #76 of the Green Bay Packers reacts during the NFL game against the New York Jets at Lambeau Field on September 14, 2014 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Jets 31-24. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

3. Defensive front

According to Pro Football Focus, the Packers have the top rated run defense in the NFL entering this season.

Two of their three top run defenders from last season were none other than Kenny Clark (88.6 run defense grade) and Mike Daniels (88.1 run defense grade). Clark has come alive after a slow rookie season and Daniels has been one of the more feared defensive ends in football for a few seasons now.

Muhammad Wilkerson is a top-notch rotational player in terms of run defense. If he can regain his pass-rushing abilities, the Packers found themselves a free agency steal.

Dean Lowry is also a nice rotational player in his own right, showing flashes of reliability on the end. Nick Perry has also reemerged over the years as a solid edge rusher, receiving an 80.5 overall rating from Pro Football Focus.

Although he may have seemingly slowed down over the years, Clay Matthews is still a big part of this Packers defense. In fact, he received a higher overall grade, 83.4, than his partner on the edge, Perry.

Stopping the run is huge in the NFL and this Packers defensive front does just that. Their pass-rush may only be average to above average, however, if that can change this group can become more feared then they already are.

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