It’s early. It’s preseason. The Green Bay Packers have only played two games, both on their home field and against weak teams. Still, being on top is a good spot to start out the statistical season for the team’s defensive unit.
Two games in, the Packers have given up a league-best average of 179.5 yards per game. Ranking second is Tampa Bay at 198.5. It drops off rapidly from there, with no other team defense under 220 yards per game.
The Lions are 5th (239), the Vikings are 21st (333), and the Bears are 28th (358.5). The Jaguars, the Packers’ first regular season opponent, rank 20th, at 330.5 yards allowed per game.
The Packers have given up only 118 passing yards per game — second behind Tamp Bay’s 112.5. They also have the third-stingiest run defense, at only 61.5 yards yielded per game.
Not surprisingly, the Packers have not given up many points either. The team ranks fourth-best at this stage, allowing just 11.5 points per game.
While the games may not count, what has been especially encouraging is the consistency from one unit to the next. Even after the Packers’ first team exits, the defense continues to play well.
That speaks to a level of depth the Packers haven’t enjoyed on the defensive side of the ball in some time.