Intercepting passes isn’t the only way the Green Bay Packers’ defense disrupts opposing quarterbacks.
When the Packers aren’t getting interceptions, they sometimes make it difficult for quarterbacks to throw the ball at all.
In their 30-14 victory over Tennessee, Green Bay (2-1) sacked Will Levis eight times, marking two consecutive wins without injured quarterback Jordan Love. This was the Packers’ highest sack total since they tied a franchise record with nine sacks in a 31-14 win over the Chicago Bears on January 2, 2005.
“Every game is a great opportunity to get some sacks,” said defensive lineman Preston Smith, who recorded two sacks on Sunday, along with Devonte Wyatt.
“It just comes down to executing and everybody doing their job, playing as one, and executing their assignment. You’re rewarded once you do that.”
With new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, the defense has shown a strong ability to make big plays. Green Bay intercepted two passes from Levis—one of which was returned for a touchdown—and has had at least two interceptions in each of its first three games.
The pass rush took a little while to get going. Green Bay managed just one sack in each of its first two games—a 34-29 loss to Philadelphia and a 16-10 win at home against Indianapolis.
Facing a less mobile quarterback than the Eagles’ Jalen Hurts or the Colts’ Anthony Richardson on Sunday, the Packers frequently pressured Levis. Seven players were credited with at least a half-sack, showcasing the defense’s depth.
“I think you saw the value of that in the fourth quarter,” coach Matt LaFleur said Monday. “When you have edge rushers and interior rushers that are fresh, you can really get after an offense. In the second half, we were pretty dominant up front.
It’s always a combination of the rush and the coverage. I think we did an outstanding job covering their receivers, and ‘Haf’ called some timely blitzes that were very effective.”
