Packers: Three winners from Week 16 victory over Titans

Mike Pettine deserves some credit for how well the Packers defense played

Winner #2: Mike Pettine

Packers defensive coordinator Mike Pettine has been the butt of a lot of criticism in 2020, much of it well deserved. However, the defense has played much better as of late. At the start of the year, the defense was getting run on every week, while also not forcing much pressure or getting turnovers.

The rushing defense still has its issues from week to week but the defense as a whole has been getting more pressure and forcing takeaways. Za’Darius Smith got another sack and continues his great year.

Rashan Gary had another productive game on Sunday night as well. The biggest story, of course, was containing Derrick Henry. Holding Henry to less than 100 yards and no touchdowns is no easy feat.

Combine that with Ryan Tannehill having an awful game himself, led the way for a great performance by the defense. Another star on Sunday was Krys Barnes. Barnes has played great for Green Bay when he has been on the field. He led the team in tackles and was all over the field for this defense.

Perhaps the biggest storyline going into 2021 will be whether or not Pettine is retained. More games like this will absolutely help his case.