Packers Need To Be Strong In the Run Game

Contrary to popular belief, or at least Jerry Jones’ belief, the Packers have genuinely been better in defending the run since Micah Parsons has arrived to Green Bay. According to Foxsports, the Packers are ranked 7th in rushing defense, allowing an average 98.3 rushing yards per game. That isn’t at all. Green Bay’s total defensive ranking is fourth, allowing an average of 284.4 total yards per game. Under Coach Hafley, this defense has been playing great.

However

The defense, in particular the run defense, will need to stiffen up even more to end the season. The Chicago Bears have the 2nd best rushing attack in the NFL. They average 153.8 rushing yards per game, which is insane! And the Packers need to be able to shut that down twice. Green Bay also plays the Broncos, who are the 14th best running offense in the NFL with 119.3 rushing yards per game. And finally, the Packers face the fourth best rushing attack in the Ravens who have been averaging 136.8 rushing yards per game.

In comparison to those, Green Bay has the 16th best rushing attack with an average of 117.2 rushing yards per game. The Packers are going to need to be able to stop the run.

Packers Have Help On the Way

Last week, Green Bay lost Devonte Wyatt, their ascending 3-tech defensive tackle who happens to be 304 pounds. Why does Wyatt’s weight matter here? Well, you would think the Packers would want to replace Wyatt with someone who is a direct replacement for his abilities. But, nope. To replace Wyatt, they claimed, from the Seahawks, 355 pound Quinton Bohanna. A much bigger guy for the middle of the defensive line.

Of course, when one looks at the type of offensive attacks that the Packers will face over the next couple of weeks. Adding Bohanna makes a lot more sense. It creates a more formidable wall in helping to stop the run. In addition to Bohanna, Green Bay also added Jordan Riley off of all the Giants practice squad. He just so happens to be 338 pounds.

Stopping the run is going to be important and the Packers recognize this.

Let’s hope they will continue to look good in stopping the run. I believe they will.

Now for predictions.

Predictions:

I believe that the Packers will be able to stop the run against the Bears. This will force Chicago to rely on Caleb Williams. Williams will make a couple of plays, but Green Bay will get to the point where they will be able rush the quarterback. That will shut down the Bears.

Green Bay wins 34-24.

Chat-GPT:

Packers 28 — Bears 17

Why (in brief): Even with the injuries, Green Bay’s offense still has enough weapons and tempo to move the ball, especially if Reed plays. Their defense, while weakened inside, still has edge rush capability to disrupt Chicago’s rhythm and force turnovers. At Lambeau, in a divisional rivalry, I lean Packers — they control tempo, limit big rushes, and at least crack 28.

But regardless and as always,

Go Pack Go!