The Green Bay Packers' defense has been really good this season. Through 14 weeks, the unit is allowing just 287.2 yards per game, fifth in the league, and 19 points per game, sixth in the NFL.
The defense is a big reason why the Packers are 9-3-1, and why many people consider Green Bay to be a serious contender in the postseason.
For as good as the defense has been, the group can unlock another level by improving in a specific area. Green Bay is good against the run, and against the pass, and with Micah Parsons, the unit can can also get after the quarterback. The one area the Packers are struggling in is forcing turnovers. Generating more takeaways would catapult Green Bay's defense to another level.
Packers defense can be even better by forcing more turnovers
On the season, Green Bay has just 12 takeaways, seven interceptions, and five recovered fumbles. That ranks 25th in the NFL. Fortunately, because of the offense's ability to protect the ball, the Packers still have a plus-4 turnover differential. It's great that Green Bay isn't giving the ball away, but it would be even better if the defense were taking the ball away more consistently.
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Of the 13 games the Packers played this season, they only have three games without a takeaway, but they only have two games where they forced multiple turnovers. The good news is that both of those multi-turnover games came in Green Bay's last four games. In a Week 11 win against the New York Giants, the Packers had two takeaways, and a week later, in a victory over the Minnesota Vikings, they forced three turnovers.
Moving forward, it would really benefit the Packers if those types of outings became the norm. It's great that the defense is a stingy unit, but there's always room for improvement in professional sports.
For the Packers' defense, that improvement is getting their hands on the football more. That would significantly make Green Bay a better team. The offense is already good, but with consistent short fields and more opportunities, this team would be scary. The defense becoming a more aggressive unit could be the final step to the Packers establishing themselves as a top contender.