3 reasons why Packers will beat Buccaneers in NFC Championship

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GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – JANUARY 12: Kenny Clark #97 of the Green Bay Packers reacts after getting a stop against Marshawn Lynch #24 (not pictured) of the Seattle Seahawks during the first quarter of the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Lambeau Field on January 12, 2020 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /

1. Improved rushing defense

The Packers’ defense as a whole seemed to turn a corner down the stretch. With defensive coordinator Mike Pettine allowing them to play more freely, the best defenders upped their game and the team as a whole has benefited.

That improved play appears to begin with the defensive line and the rushing defense. Kenny Clark has been a monster lately, swallowing offensive linemen and potential running lanes on the regular. Inserting Krys Barnes as the starting inside linebacker over Christian Kirksey has also played dividends for this unit.

Next. Packers: Winners and Losers vs Rams. dark

They’ll need that hot streak to continue against Leonard Fournette, Ronald Jones and the dangerous Bucs’ rushing attack. That duo ran for a combined 125 yards against the New Orleans Saints and keep the Bucs’ offensive attack extremely balanced. If Green Bay can take away the running game and make their opponent one-dimensional, it will go a long way to slowing down this dangerous offense.

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