Packers: Three ways to be more effective on defense

Last week’s game against the New Orleans Saints was a disaster for the Green Bay Packers as their all-around performance was terrible.

While the loss resulted from an overall poor team effort, the lousy defensive performance was the most frustrating to watch as they allowed the Saints offense to run all over them.

For the Packers to get back on track, there are three ways to be more effective on defense.

Be more aggressive on defense

Typically, Green Bay’s defense is known for its talented pass rushers and their ability to pressure the backfield. That was not the case this past Sunday.

Throughout the game, the Packers defense struggled to bring pressure which allowed Jameis Winston pick them apart. Winston threw for 148 yards and five touchdowns against the Packers with zero sacks. Green Bay’s defense allowed Winston to be productive, which is something that needs to be fixed before their next game.

It is critical for the defense to play more aggressive. Giving the quarterback plenty of time to make plays is unacceptable, and if it continues to happen, it will be costly for the Packers.

With Za’Darius Smith being injured, the rest of the defense will have to step up their game. The Packers will have to rely on Preston Smith, Rashan Gary, and Kenny Clark to bring the heat. It will be a tough task, but they are a talented group that can get the job done. Bringing pressure and getting big sacks will help the Packers return to their winning ways.

Start Eric Stokes over Kevin King

Fans have not been impressed with Kevin King because of his poor pass coverage. After several blown coverage plays from last season, many were shocked to see King start over the talented rookie Eric Stokes.

Things were no different against the Saints. Once again, King struggled, leading to a Deonte Harris touchdown. It doesn’t make much sense to keep starting a player who fails to get the job done. King should’ve been replaced a long time ago.

Stokes is a promising young rookie who can make a difference in the secondary with his ability to break up passes and force turnovers. The whole point of drafting Stokes was to improve the secondary, and he deserves a chance to prove himself.

From this point on, Stokes should start over King.

Force turnovers

One of the major components of defensive success is forcing turnovers to give the offense a chance to capitalize. Unfortunately, Green Bay’s defense didn’t force any turnovers last week. The Packers were -3 in the turnover battle.

For the Packers to succeed going forward, it will be important for the defense to force turnovers.

It will be interesting to see how the defense will respond in Week 2 against the Lions.