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

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GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – OCTOBER 20: Darren Waller #83 of the Oakland Raiders runs with the football in front of Will Redmond #25 of the Green Bay Packers in the second quarter at Lambeau Field on October 20, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /

Covering tight ends

As well as struggling to stop the run, the Packers defense has also been unable to stop tight ends over the past month. Sure, they’ve played some of the best tight ends in the league, but that won’t change in the playoffs.

Darren Waller caught seven passes for 126 yards and two touchdowns against the Packers. A week later, Travis Kelce had four receptions for 63 yards and a touchdown. Hunter Henry made seven catches for 84 yards. This past week, Greg Olsen made eight catches for 98 yards. Back in Week 4, Zach Ertz led the Eagles in receiving with seven catches for 65 yards against the Packers.

Green Bay’s next game is on the road against San Francisco. The two teams could also meet down the line in the playoffs. If the Packers can’t stop George Kittle, it’ll be a long afternoon.

Great players make plays. It’s impossible to stop the best players in the NFL. But the Packers’ recent struggles covering tight ends is a concern, and it’s something they need to get right as soon as possible. If they can’t, opponents will keep finding ways to get their tight ends involved.

Assuming Kittle is healthy for the game in two weeks, the Packers will have their toughest challenge yet when it comes to defending an elite tight end.

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