Intercepting passes isn’t the only way the Green Bay Packers’ defense disrupts opposing quarterbacks.
When they’re not picking off passes, the Packers often ensure quarterbacks can’t even release the ball.
On Sunday, Green Bay (2-1) sacked Will Levis eight times in a 30-14 win over Tennessee, marking the Packers’ second straight victory despite missing injured quarterback Jordan Love. The eight sacks were the most for Green Bay since they tied a franchise record with nine in a 31-14 win over the Chicago Bears on January 2, 2005.
“Every game presents a great chance to rack up sacks,” said defensive lineman Preston Smith, who had two on Sunday, along with Devonte Wyatt. “It’s all about execution, everyone doing their job, playing as one, and sticking to their assignments. When that happens, you get rewarded.”
Under new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, the defense has excelled at making big plays. Green Bay intercepted Levis twice, returning one for a touchdown, and has recorded at least two interceptions in each of their first three games.
The pass rush took a couple of games to find its rhythm. The Packers only managed one sack each in their first two games – a 34-29 loss to Philadelphia in Brazil and a 16-10 home win against Indianapolis.
Facing a less mobile quarterback than the Eagles’ Jalen Hurts or the Colts’ Anthony Richardson, the Packers frequently disrupted Will Levis in the backfield on Sunday. Seven different Packers recorded at least a half-sack, highlighting the depth of their defensive front.
“You saw the value of that in the fourth quarter,” coach Matt LaFleur said Monday. “When your edge or interior rushers are fresh, you can really dominate an offense. We were particularly strong in the second half, combining great pass coverage with well-timed blitzes from Haf (defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley).”
Hafley’s defense has played a key role in the Packers’ success despite the absence of quarterback Jordan Love, who missed his second consecutive game due to a left medial collateral ligament injury. Malik Willis has stepped up in Love’s place, though Love’s status for Sunday’s home game against the NFC North-leading Minnesota Vikings remains uncertain.
“He’s working through it,” LaFleur said of Love. “He’s doing everything he can. He wants to be out there, and we want him out there.”
The Packers lead the NFL with an average of 204 rushing yards per game and rank second in yards per carry at 5.4, just behind Baltimore’s 5.5. They also top the league with a plus-7 turnover margin, boasting an NFL-high nine takeaways and seven interceptions, which already matches their total from the 2023 season.
However, the team is averaging 8.7 penalties per game, with only four teams (Baltimore, Cleveland, Houston, and Miami) being penalized more frequently.
In his last two games, Willis has completed 75% of his passes for 324 yards, throwing two touchdowns and no interceptions. He’s also rushed for 114 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries, a major improvement for a quarterback who hadn’t thrown a touchdown or passed for 100 yards in his previous three career starts. … Safety Xavier McKinney has recorded an interception in each of his first three games. … Cornerback Jaire Alexander scored his first career touchdown with a 35-yard pick-six.
After rushing for 235 yards in his first two games with the Packers, Josh Jacobs was limited to just 43 yards on 14 carries Sunday. Offensive tackle Rasheed Walker was flagged for holding and illegal use of hands, while guard Elgton Jenkins committed two holding penalties.
Tight end Tucker Kraft aggravated a shoulder injury.
The Packers have rushed for 612 yards through their first three games, putting them in rare company. Since 1990, only a handful of teams have rushed for 600+ yards in their first three games, including the 2006 and 2008 Atlanta Falcons, the 2013 Philadelphia Eagles, and the 2019 Baltimore Ravens.
Up next, the Packers host the division-leading Minnesota Vikings (3-0) at Lambeau Field, a game that will feature former Packers running back Aaron Jones’ return.
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