3 ways Packers are better prepared for playoffs than last year

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 29: David Bakhtiari #69 of the Green Bay Packers leaves the field at halftime of a game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field on November 29, 2020 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Bears 45-21. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

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GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – NOVEMBER 28: Rasul Douglas #29 of the Green Bay Packers returns an interception for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Lambeau Field on November 28, 2021 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

Ways Packers are better than last year: Forcing Turnovers

The Packers’ defense may not be better than last year’s (following their end of the season slump), but there’s no arguing they have more difference-makers. Look no further than the 26 turnovers they forced this year (ranked eighth in the NFL) compared to just 18 from 2020.

Upfront, Rashan Gary has replaced the production of Za’Darius Smith (who looks poised to return, by the way) and has been harassing quarterbacks all season long. Preston Smith–who sucked last year–also is back to his normal disrupting self.

On the backend, Rasul Douglas has been the biggest difference. He’s a ballhawk who loves to jump routes and has two interceptions returned for touchdowns as a result. That kind of play can completely change the outcome of a playoff game and give Green Bay’s defense exactly what they were missing a season ago.

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