Green Bay Packers: 3 X-Factors Against New Orleans

Kingsley Keke or Dean Lowry

Unfortunately, even when Kenny Clark was on the field, this Green Bay Packers’ run defense looked very similar to what it did last year. And without Clark, well, to put it simply, it’s not pretty. During the first two weeks, the offense has given the defense a multi-score lead to work with, thus taking away the opponent’s ability to run the ball and limiting their exposure. However, that’s not something I would bank on this week.

Early on in this game, I expect New Orleans to run the ball often, taking advantage of this weak spot in the Green Bay defense while also setting up the play-action for later in the game. With a player like Kamara, setting the edge and containing him, so he doesn’ get outside where he is averaging 5.0 yards per carry to the right side and 4.1 yards per carry to the left (via Pro Football Focus – subscription required), is going to be key.

On top of that, while neither Kamara nor Latavius Murray’s overall rushing numbers are eye-popping, they have each found success running through the “A” gap this season – albeit it’s been a small sample size – right at what will be the Packers’ interior defensive line. As we’ve seen, the Green Bay run defense can make even average rushing attacks look daunting.

In the first two games, Dean Lowry has pretty much been a non-factor while we continue to see very promising flashes from Kingsley Keke, but as should be expected from a former fifth-round pick in only his second season, there are still inconsistencies. The Saints’ run game against the Packers’ run defense is one of my bigger concerns entering this game, but if either – or hey, why not both? – Lowry and Keke are able to step up; they could turn the tide of this game.