It’s early. It’s preseason. The Green Bay Packers have only played two games, both on their home field and against weak teams. Still, being on top is a good spot to start out the statistical season for the team’s defensive unit.
Two games in, the Packers have given up a league-best average of 179.5 yards per game. Ranking second is Tampa Bay at 198.5. It drops off rapidly from there, with no other team defense under 220 yards per game.
The Lions are 5th (239), the Vikings are 21st (333), and the Bears are 28th (358.5). The Jaguars, the Packers’ first regular season opponent, rank 20th, at 330.5 yards allowed per game.
The Packers have given up only 118 passing yards per game — second behind Tamp Bay’s 112.5. They also have the third-stingiest run defense, at only 61.5 yards yielded per game.
Not surprisingly, the Packers have not given up many points either. The team ranks fourth-best at this stage, allowing just 11.5 points per game.
While the games may not count, what has been especially encouraging is the consistency from one unit to the next. Even after the Packers’ first team exits, the defense continues to play well.
That speaks to a level of depth the Packers haven’t enjoyed on the defensive side of the ball in some time.
Last updated on September 3rd, 2016 at 04:26 pm
WOW…..We keep this up, and we are gonna be 2016 Pre Season NFL World Champions.
Yea, i get amused at shit like this, lol.
Just a little early to call the unit special. Special is the 2013 Seahawks defense. The 2008 lions went 4-0 in the preseason. Then proceeded to go 0-16.
Only two games, preseason at that, against the Browns and the Raiders. Sure sounds special.
I like the depth of the D also. The stats over the last 5 years indicate there is a 40% or less chance a team that plays D well in the preseason carries that over to the regular season. That is the same for top 5 as top ten Defenses
Top 5 preseason teams that remain top 5 regular season:
2010- 40%. 2011- 20%. 2012-20%. 2013-40%. 2014- 20%. 2015-20%.
Top 10 preseason teams that remain top 10 regular season
2010- 30%. 2011-40%. 2012- 30%. 2013- 40%. 2014- 40%. 2015- 20%.
It is a hell of a lot better than a kick in the groin to be a top 5 or 10 D in the preseason, however your chances of carrying that over to the regular season is still below the Mendoza line.