Three biggest strengths for the Packers in the 2021 season
Success is brewing for the Green Bay Packers in the 2021 season.
By clinching a playoff spot and winning the NFC North division for the third straight season, the Packers are one of the favorites to win the Super Bowl.
While they still have areas that need work, the Packers have utilized their three biggest strengths this season which will give them an advantage in the playoffs.
Offense
For the past three seasons, offense has been a major strength for the Packers with their MVP quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, leading the way.
Rodgers is one of the frontrunners for another MVP honor with 3,689 yards, 33 touchdowns, and only four interceptions so far this season. Rodgers is the heart and soul of this team. Hopefully, he will remain in Green Bay for the rest of the career, and winning the Super Bowl this season perhaps would help.
The running game has been an effective part of the offense with Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon as the powerhouse duo.
Jones is having another productive year with 163 carries, 723 yards, and 10 touchdowns so far. Dillon has stepped up big-time this season and has become a key offensive weapon with 159 carries, 677 yards, and five touchdowns so far.
His ability to power his way through defenders and fight for extra yards makes him a valuable asset. Jones and Dillon are the most dynamic running back duo. As long as the Packers continue to have them in the backfield, they will remain a top NFL offense.
The return of Randall Cobb sparked a whole new level of excitement in everyone, especially Aaron Rodgers. While Cobb will be out for a while due to injury, he has been impressive this season with 28 receptions, 375 yards, and five touchdowns. What an exciting return it has been for Cobb. We certainly hope to see him back from injury soon with the postseason around the corner.
Star receiver Davante Adams is also having another outstanding season with 106 receptions, 1,362 yards, and 10 touchdowns so far. Adams is another sensational athlete who the Packers hope to keep around for the long haul as he is a huge part of their offense.
Allen Lazard, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Marcedes Lewis, and Robert Tonyan have also been in on the action this season. Losing Tonyan for the season due to injury was a huge blow. Next season will be an epic comeback season for him as he will continue his dominating ways.
If the Packers offense continues to play at an elite level, they will be a tough contender in the playoffs.
Defense
Defense has put in work all season long with many talented heavy hitters. Despite Za’Darius Smith’s injury, the defensive line and linebackers have made several quarterbacks uncomfortable this season.
De’Vondre Campbell has been a powerhouse with 95 tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles, and two interceptions so far this season. He has been the spark that the Packers needed.
Preston Smith has also stepped his game up with 22 tackles, eight sacks, and two forced fumbles. Though some had given up on Smith, he has definitely proved the doubters wrong. Rashan Gary also continues to make an impact with 23 tackles, eight sacks, and two forced fumbles. Other big-time players such as Krys Barnes and Kenny Clark have dominated.
The secondary has improved tremendously this season with the addition of Rasul Douglas and Eric Stokes. Even with Jaire Alexander being out due to injury, Douglas and Stokes have held it down in the secondary.
Douglas is making a name for himself as he has put up amazing stats including 49 tackles, one forced fumble, five interceptions, and 12 passes deflected so far this season. With Douglas’ ability to play the ball well and create turnovers, he will likely keep his starting position.
The talented rookie Stokes has put the league on notice this season with 38 tackles, one interception, and 14 passes deflected so far, which are impressive stats for a rookie. As his development continues, he will become a top NFL cornerback.
The two safeties, Darnell Savage and Adrian Amos, are also having another terrific season. Savage continues to make Savage-like plays with 44 tackles, two interceptions, and two passes deflected. Amos has also been solid thus far with 68 tackles, two interceptions, and eight passes deflected.
The talented playmakers in the secondary have made the defense relevant again, and hopefully it will pay off with a Super Bowl win.
When the Packers’ defense plays to their full potential, they set themselves up for great success.
Coaching
It cannot be said enough about how well Matt LaFleur has coached this team. After Green Bay fired Mike McCarthy a couple seasons ago, LaFleur took over as head coach and led the Packers back to their winning ways. His creative play-calling and desire to win is what makes him such a great coach. It will be a huge disgrace if LaFleur doesn’t get the Coach of the Year award.
LaFleur isn’t the only coach getting it done for the Packers.
Defensive coordinator Joe Barry has also made changes which have led to defensive success. Barry is also a smart play-caller. Barry has led this defense in the right direction. Green Bay ranks No. 11 in total defense after 15 games.