Packers: Four standout performances from Week 13 win vs. Eagles

1. Defensive front seven

Stat line: 6.5 sacks, 45 tackles

As I stated in the opening, Green Bay’s much beleaguered defense finally held up. The D-line, along with the linebackers, held the Philly ground game to only 70 yards if you take away the quarterback runs. And only 59 if you take away Jalen Reagor’s run.

Rashan Gary, Za’Darius Smith, Kingsley Keke, Preston Smith, and Dean Lowry also combined for 6.5 of the Packers’ seven sacks on the game. Sure, the Eagles line is injured and their quarterback’s struggling, but Mike Pettine’s crew has come up empty in games they should have dominated before. Not this time.

Green Bay’s front seven completely bullied Philly’s line and made life even more miserable for Wentz and company.

The defense started showing signs of improvement against the Colts and Bears but until this point, had not been able to put it all together for an entire game. Blowing a lead in Indy followed by giving up two fourth-quarter touchdowns against the Bears soured what had been good performances until those points.

The Packers’ defense only gave up one touchdown and a field goal with the special teams return being the other score.

I personally liked seeing more “scheme” being used by Pettine the past two weeks as well. He is blitzing more often in key spots to put more heat on opposing quarterbacks, forcing errant throws and not allowing them to be comfortable in the pocket.

This could be the turning point we have been waiting for. If the defense can continue to match the offense’s output, this is going to be as dangerous a team there is in the NFC.