One of the more interesting things this game is how GB's D is being talked up. About how they 'turned it on' to end the year. Let's find out!
Week 13 - Held the 26th ranked Eagles O (20.9 PPG) to 16. During this game Wentz and Hurts each played half the game at QB. To be fair 6 of those points came on a return with a missed XP. Since their bye the Eagles have been held to 17, 17. 17, 16, 24, 26, 17 and 14. Hardly a prolific offense. It's a good job, but not amazing
Week 14 - Held the 20th ranked Lions O (23,6 PPG) to 24. Nothing strange about this one. Okay job I guess?
Week 15 - Held the 24th ranked Panthers O (21.9) to 16. Nothing strange here.
Week 16 - Held the 4th ranked Titans O (30.7) to 14. This is the game the Packers are basing their D having turned the corner on pretty much. You can either believe it was just a bad game by the Titans or that it is proof that the Packers could do well vs good O's as well as bad ones who have mostly given up. Maybe the snow and elements through The Titans off for some reason. Not that it would help the Buc's case if that were true. But each team reacts differently too it. Maybe the weather had nothing to do with it. The Titans played in 17 games this year and in 4 score 17 or less. Some were against good Ds and some vs bad. Personally after watching this game I think it had to do with bad play, bad game plan and bad coaching. Take for instance the Titan's first drive after being down 0-6. They drive to the 32 and on a 4th and 7 they punt and get a touch back. I know they wanted to pin them, but in the snow that was stupid. Just one example. Personally I think this was just one of the few stinkers the Titans have had this year due to various factors going against them. But maybe I'm wrong! However, if that isn't the case, why couldn't the Packers have really stuck it too these bad offenses more than they did? It is a fair question.
Week 17 - Held the 22nd-t ranked Bears O (23.3) to 16. Some people may argue Trubisky with the Bears scored more and hence they were better than their ranked. That is arguably fair. It's also fair to note Mitch is known to be streaky and was benched for a reason.
DIV Week 19 - Held the 22nd-t ranked Rams O (23.3) to 18. They did it with them having a hurt QB and missing their best WR.
So in reality the question comes down to do you believe week 16 or 17 proved anything. Personlly when looking at how they played in the other games, I really don't think so. I don't think this D is much better than it was in week 6. I think most of the 'improvement' has to do with catching a good O who did a lot of bad things and made a lot of bad plays at the right time. As well as catching the streaky Mitch, who didn't look all that good the next game either IMO. The hype around this D making any notable jump doesn't seem justified to me when you look at the games and the factors around them
