3 Eye-Popping Facts Behind the Packers' Defensive Success
Most people would be lying if they said they weren't surprised to see the Green Bay Packers defense not only keep the team in games, but actually go out and win a couple to pick up the struggling offense.
With that premise, I was curious as to what some of the numbers showed about the defense's sneaky good start. It's clear the pass rush has been a huge boost, ranking 2nd in sacks (20) and currently on pace to set a franchise record.
However, there were 3 others areas that perhaps will give an indication if this level of defense is sustainable throughout the 2015 season.
When On the Field, the Defense is Almost Always Ahead in the Game
Through the first 5 games, the defense has been on the field for only 11 plays when the opponent has the lead. That's an incredible 3.5% of the time! Only 27 defensive snaps have happened in a tie game as well.
While it's not necessarily an indication of the defense's prowess, it's certainly easier to defend a team that is constantly trying to catch up. Offense's play books often shrink and get a bit more predictable in the 2nd half, allowing the 'D' to play more aggressively.
Will the 'D' continue to play 88% of its snaps while ahead? Not likely. But with Aaron Rodgers at the helm, the offense will give them the lead enough to keep the defense on the offensive.
Opposing Quarterbacks Own a 29.1 Rating in the First Quarter
While the Packers offense tends to get points in the 1st quarter thanks to Rodgers, the enemy has been completely shut down in the opening frame. The league average QB rating in the 1st is 89.3, some 60 points higher than Green Bay's opponents.
Opposing QBs have thrown 2 interceptions and 0 touchdowns while completing just 45.5% of their passes in the 1st quarter. They've averaged a minuscule 0.6 adjusted net yards per pass play, which accounts for the Packers 4 sacks.
For you baseball fans out there, one would probably consider this a small sample size. However, when you see a QB rating below 30, you have to hand out some props.
Defense Owns the Second-Lowest Completion Percentage Against
Some may argue this is a product of the QBs on their schedule thus far, but the fact remains that Green Bay opponents are completing only 53.1% of their throws. Especially in today's era of passing, limiting completions might be as big a contributor to defensive success as anything else.
The defense has also taken advantage of errant passes by picking off 4.9% of the passes, also good for 2nd in the NFL. Some INTs can be fluky, but the combo of the two stats is telling.
Truthfully, the Packers aren't going to be facing a bunch of elite quarterbacks this season, and even guys like Phillip Rivers, Peyton Manning and Carson Palmer can be had at this stage in their careers.
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You can take away whatever you'd like from this article. The fact remains, if the defense continues at a pace even close to what they've done, not much could get in the way of another trip to the Super Bowl.