Packers: Defense came in clutch against Buccaneers in Week 3 win
Many expected an epic contest between these two top NFL teams. In the battle of the bays that had us on the edge of our seats, the Green Bay Packers‘ defense came in clutch against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to earn the win.
Green Bay’s defense set the tone early. The defensive linemen understood that pressuring Tom Brady would greatly limit the Buccaneers’ offense.
Kenny Clark and Rashan Gary powered their way to the backfield regularly, with Clark delivering two sacks and Gary one. By pressuring Brady and stopping the run and screen passes, the Packers held the Bucs to 2/11 on third down.
Jaire Alexander’s early departure due to injury did not phase the secondary.
Keisean Nixon played with purpose, with six tackles and a forced fumble, which boosted momentum for the Packers. With Alexander exiting the game, Nixon understood the assignment.
Nixon is already proving to be a huge asset to the Packers’ loaded secondary and stepped up on Sunday.
Creating turnovers
The two turnovers were a huge momentum booster for the entire team. Both turnovers came from wide receiver fumbles.
Green Bay’s defense is much more effective when creating turnovers as demonstrated in this game.
Campbell stops two-point conversion
With one final drive for the Buccaneers to tie the game, Brady had no problem finding Russell Gage for the touchdown.
The Buccaneers still needed the two-point conversion for the tie. It was critical for the Packers’ defense to stop the two-point conversion to end the game.
Star linebacker De’Vondre Campbell came in clutch for the Packers by breaking up the pass to crush Tom Brady’s hopes of a comeback.
Allen Lazard sealed the deal by recovering the onside kick.
Though the Packers still have plenty of room for improvement, their defense has been a major strength for them so far this season.