Packers defense shows it’s Super Bowl caliber in loss to Chiefs
With the Green Bay Packers offense and special teams struggling big time, their defense stepped up to the plate and hit a home run.
Fans of Wisconsin sports teams saw a familiar script on Sunday afternoon. An anemic offense that could hardly move the football and struggled to get out of their own way. A dominant ground game and a quarterback who looked out of his element. And an elite defense who dominated most of the game. Only this time it was the Packers instead of the Wisconsin Football team.
Green Bay fell to the Chiefs 7-13 in Jordan Love’s first career start. Other than the defense, the rest of the Packers didn’t give Love much help. Special teams was a disaster (again) and they took part in a 38-yard punt that led to the Chiefs’ only touchdown of the day, a missed field goal, a blocked field goal and a fumbled punt return that gave Kansas City the ball at Green Bay’s 10-yard line.
The Green Bay Packers’ defense made everything difficult for the Kansas City Chiefs and showed they’re ready to help this team reach a Super Bowl.
Still, Green Bay’s defense held strong and gave their offense every opportunity to win the game.
With Eric Stokes ruled out following a “freak” injury before the game, Rasul Douglas and Kevin King were the starting corners. They gave up a few plays to Tyreek Hill and company (who doesn’t?), including the game-clinching reception on third-and-long, but they were solid overall.
Darnell Savage flew around the field behind them and provided support in both the running and passing games. He was a true playmaker in this game and forced at least one fourth-down stop.
The front seven was great as well. Backup inside linebacker Krys Barnes came to play and had his best game of the season. The defensive line held up as well despite not having Kenny Clark (back) for the entire second half. Rashan Gary continued his ascent and was constantly in Patrick Mahomes’ grill.
Overall, the Packers held the Cheifs to their second-lowest point total on the season and a putrid 3.8 yards per play. Mahomes was only 20-for-37 for 166 yards and one touchdown which results in a 43.7 QBR.
Green Bay still has more health to gain on this side of the ball as well. We’ll wait and see what the word is on Clark. The Packers need him upfront and can’t afford him to miss an extended period of time. Stud cornerback Jaire Alexander was also out and a timeline is unknown for his return. However, there appears to be optimism he’s on track to return this season.
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Despite the loss, the defense showed they are ready to do their part in helping the Packers get back to the Super Bowl. That’s something Aaron Rodgers and company hasn’t had since they last went to one over a decade ago.