Packers: Stock up, stock down entering Week 4 vs. Falcons

Stock down: Run defense

Oh boy, where to start? The defense is lucky to have the offense that they do. If the Packers’ offense couldn’t put up as many points as they do, teams would probably try to run on the Packers all game. Fortunately, their offense can score enough to force the opposing team to pass the ball more.

At the start of games this season, at least against the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions, the Packers looked downright ugly on run defense. In their first possessions of both games, the Vikings and the Lions marched down the field, running the ball with ease before punching it into the end zone.

Part of me would like to say it’s because they don’t have Kenny Clark back, but rational thinking tells me it may not be quite as bad, but it’s still more of the same thing.

This season, the Packers have allowed just 345 rushing yards, good for 14th in the league. Not bad, right? But here’s the thing: When your offense is insanely hot and leads the league in scoring, opposing offenses can’t afford to run the ball. The Packers are still bad at protecting against the run. They are allowing 5.5 yards per carry. That is the fourth-worst in the NFL. The only teams worse than them are the Tennessee Titans, Lions, and Las Vegas Raiders.

I understand the NFL is a passing league and it may be more important to stop the pass. I think that’s true if you have a high-powered offense like the Packers have. But if the Packers ever find themselves in a situation where they are struggling to score, the defense will be in trouble because the opposing offense will probably try to run it all day long.

Yes, getting Kenny Clark back will be a big help, but I think they need even more. Former third-round pick Montravius Adams hasn’t panned out. The Packers need to do what they can to sign Snacks Harrison. He would be a difference-maker in the middle stopping the run.