Back to the NFL Newsfeed

The Packers’ Defense Is Their M.V.P.

In Green Bay, the galaxy revolves around Aaron Rodgers. Yet through weeks of inconsistent offensive production and melodrama, much of which could have been mitigated by a trip to Walgreens, the Packers’ much-maligned, oft-overlooked, critically understaffed defense has kept the team from falling out of the Super Bowl chase.

When the All-Pro receiver Davante Adams was out for Week 8 because of Covid-19 protocols, the Packers’ defense forced three turnovers in a 24-21 upset victory over the previously unbeaten Arizona Cardinals. When Rodgers missed Week 9 because of a positive coronavirus test, the Packers’ defense allowed just 13 points in a narrow loss to Kansas City.