Fansided
Fansided

NFC North: Prediction For Each Team

By Eric Robinson

Nov 16, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) shakes hands with Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) after the game at Soldier Field. Chicago Bears defeat the Minnesota Vikings 21-13. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 16, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) shakes hands with Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) after the game at Soldier Field. Chicago Bears defeat the Minnesota Vikings 21-13. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
Jan 3, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews (52) and safety Micah Hyde (33) during warmups prior to the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field. Minnesota won 20-13. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews (52) and safety Micah Hyde (33) during warmups prior to the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field. Minnesota won 20-13. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

Green Bay Packers: Overall defense will be ranked 20th or worse

First and foremost, this forecasted ranking of the Packers defense will not prevent the team from making the playoffs. I fully expect Green Bay to have a playoff run and a possible trip to the Super Bowl. That however, is a different story for a different day. As far as the prediction goes, here is why I visualize a setback on the defensive side of the ball.

The Packers were 15th overall in 2015 in defense, allowing 346.7 yards per game. What was of note during this offseason was that outside of drafting defensive tackle Kenny Clark in first round during this past draft, no significant improvements were made.

The coaching staff did decide to slide Clay Matthews back into his normal position of outside linebacker with motives to harass quarterbacks constantly but there are significant questions at inside linebacker with Jake Ryan and Sam Barrington penciled in as the starters. The defense hasn’t made enough strides to improve a mediocre unit, so a drop-off in overall play can very well be on the horizon.

Next: Detroit Lions

Home/NFL Hot Takes