Packers: 5 reasons why they will win the NFC North in 2019
![SEATTLE, WA - NOVEMBER 15: Aaron Jones #33 of the Green Bay Packers celebrate a touchdown during the first quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on November 15, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) SEATTLE, WA - NOVEMBER 15: Aaron Jones #33 of the Green Bay Packers celebrate a touchdown during the first quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on November 15, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Flombardiave-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2017-2F07-2F1062078902-850x560-d44011148aba22b16c1902b92cc75bf191a9ca2d8da6e57bd36e3178f6f334af.jpg)
1. Packers will have a top-10 defense
Backing up the play of the offense will be Mike Pettine’s defense, which will look completely different than in recent years. On paper, it’s the strongest the Packers defense has looked in many seasons, and they now have the talent to finish as a top-10 defense in the NFL.
The defensive line, led by Kenny Clark and Mike Daniels, has the talent and depth to shut down the run and generate interior pass rush. Unlike last season, the Packers now have the talent on the edge to support the defensive line. Za’Darius Smith, Preston Smith and Rashan Gary will immediately improve the pass rush while also helping in run defense.
The secondary, too, has a ton of potential with second-year star Jaire Alexander being joined by new additions Adrian Amos and Darnell Savage Jr. Again, the Packers have the talent and depth with Kevin King, Josh Jackson and Tramon Williams.
The defense showed their potential last year — Pettine’s first season as the team’s defensive coordinator — finishing 12th in pass defense and tied for eighth in sacks.
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It’s been a great offseason for the defense, and entering their second season in Pettine’s system, a top-10 finish will help lead the Packers back to the top of the NFC North.