Packers: Five things they need to fix in the bye week

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GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – NOVEMBER 10: Christian McCaffrey #22 of the Carolina Panthers runs with the football in the first half against Darnell Savage #26 and Adrian Amos #31 of the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on November 10, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /

Run defense

Run defense has been a major issue all season long. Entering Week 10, Green Bay had allowed an average of 127.7 yards per game on the ground. The defense gave up another 100-yard performance to Christian McCaffrey this past week. McCaffrey had 20 carries for 108 yards and a touchdown. Although that’s about as good as you can hope for against McCaffrey.

Shutting down the run is something this defense needs to start doing if it’s to take the next step. If the Packers meet the 49ers or Saints in the playoffs, they’ll have no chance of winning if they don’t have an answer for the run.

Part of the evaluation should be not only how the Packers can better defend the run, but also whether they need to look to free agency for some help up front. Perhaps signing a free agent who can help on early downs could be the answer.

There’s no doubt what the strength of this defense is. When Green Bay has a lead in the second half and the opponent is trying to throw to catch up, the Packers can dominate on defense with their pass rush. But it’s against the run where they’ve struggled, and it’s an area they need to improve.

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