Packers defense stars in statement victory over Bears in Week 1
Adrian Amos. Za’Darius Smith. Preston Smith. Darnell Savage. Four of the Green Bay Packers’ five key defensive additions all made important plays in the team’s upset victory over the NFC North champions on Thursday night.
Adrian Amos made the all-important interception of Mitch Trubisky in the end zone late in the fourth quarter, making the perfect start for his new team at his former home.
Za’Darius Smith was dominant up front, making a sack and three quarterback hits. Preston Smith was equally impressive with 1.5 sacks, three quarterback hits and a pass defense.
First-round pick Darnell Savage made three tackles, a pass defense and a QB hit, showing already why he can be a contender for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Mike Pettine’s defense held the Bears to just three points in the evening. Trubisky was forced to throw 45 times but went without a touchdown, while Green Bay’s defense shut down the run game, limiting Chicago to 46 rushing yards.
The Packers offense still has a lot of work to do, and that’ll be one key takeaway for head coach Matt LaFleur following this game.
Aaron Rodgers was sacked five times, the run game struggled to get going with just 47 yards, and the Packers only found the end zone once.
There are a few factors to consider. The first is the opposition. The Bears defense finished No. 1 in points allowed last year for a reason. They are dominant up front, fast to the football and difficult to run or pass against.
The other factor is that this was Game 1 in a new offense. There were always going to be mistakes.
Equally, there were positives. The Packers’ one touchdown drive was an impressive one. It took Green Bay just four plays and 1:35 to go 74 yards. Marquez Valdes-Scantling built on a strong summer with a 47-yard catch before Jimmy Graham hauled in an eight-yard touchdown to give Green Bay the lead.
It’s only Week 1, and there’s a lot to work on. But this could be a significant victory for this team moving forward. Not only is it a road win against the division champions, but the Packers now play five of their next six games at Lambeau Field, giving them a tremendous opportunity to stack up victories in the first half of the season.
This team has a lot to work on, but the defense made a huge statement in primetime.
A perfect start to the LaFleur era.