Three takeaways from Packers’ win vs. Raiders in Week 7

2. Packers defense bends, but doesn’t break

Like last week, Green Bay’s defense made a slow start to the game. Raiders running back Josh Jacobs had three carries for 53 yards to open the game, immediately putting Oakland in field goal range. But also like last week, the Packers’ defense bounced back and forced their opponents to settle for a field goal.

In the end, the Raiders rushed for 155 yards while averaging five yards per attempt. They also had a total of 329 passing yards.

But it’s important to look beyond the numbers. For example, Raiders backup QB Mike Glennon led a four-play, 40-yard touchdown drive in the fourth quarter. All that did was add to the stat column. The game had been over for a while.

Equally, the defense stepped up when needed, forcing two turnovers. They were a little fortunate with one, as Derek Carr stretched for the end zone but lost the ball, resulting in a touchback.

The defense only allowed 24 points in the game, with some coming late on when the game was already over.

Defensive coordinator Mike Pettine will be disappointed that the defense didn’t get a single sack, and that they gave up yards on the ground. It wasn’t their best performance of the season, but they continued to make the key plays when they needed to.