Packer Defense Has Work to Do – Not Just Learn to Hit QB – NFL Nation

But after Kirk Cousins ​​and Stefon Diggs logged in on a 75-yard deep landing pass in Week 2, Packers defensive play coordinator Joe Whitt offered:

"What I always say to guys, is when you give the ball as we did it for [Diggs] Above the summit, you'll be tested at least the next four weeks as it's on everyone's tape for the next four weeks, "said Whitt. Even if they check the ball, they will push the ball vertically on the ground. We need to do a better job of maintaining vertical control not only of the corner but of the midfield. It's a double game. We'll do the test. They should test us because we put a negative game on the film. "

They still failed. If Whitt and new defensive coordinator Mike Pettine do not solve the problem, what happened again during the 31-17 defeat on Sunday in Washington could become the norm for a defense supposed to improve after the coach Mike McCarthy January.

The Redskins waited all four games to take their shot, and like last week against Diggs, Kentrell Brice's safety appeared to be mishandling the leverage on a deep road that Paul Richardson Jr. turned into a touchdown. 46 yards from Alex Smith. the opening player of the game. This time it was the rookie corner Jaire Alexander on the outside. Last week, it was the veteran Davon House.

Perhaps the most disconcerting thing is that Brice was involved twice after McCarthy declared that he was the highest ranked defensive player of the Packers in the win over the Bears.

"We [were] in the cover 4. I was doing what I had been asked to do, "Brice said. All you can ask the coach. "

Just as the Matthews penalty was not the only reason the Packers lost, the deep landing was not the case. But it was a sign that Pettine and his team still had a lot to do in defense.

The first half against the Redskins was the continuation of the second half and extra time against the Vikings. In the last four quarters, plus overtime, the Packers' defense has allowed 649 total yards, including 500 total yards.

"We have work to do," McCarthy said. "It's week 3. I'm in tune with everything we do about football, I would say that in the fourth quarter, overtime last week continued in the first half, but I thought Our guys did a good job putting their jaw in order, and the defense gave us a lot of opportunities in the second half. "

McCarthy was right. The Redskins managed a single first run in the second half until the last two minutes. The first four Washington possessions of the second half ended in punts. But the damage – in the form of 28 points – was done.

"The first period was bad," said cornerback Tramon Williams. "I do not know how to say it differently, the first half was bad, a lot of inconsistent play, we came out of the second half and we did better, but it was a bit late at that moment. -the."

Three defensive backs (Alexander, Williams and House) were called for interference penalties in one pass, ending with Adrian Peterson's touchdown in the first quarter. According to ESPN Stats & Information, the Packers had not been summoned for three defensive pass interference penalties in a game since 2010 – let alone for one disc.

It is up to the defense not only to adapt to the complex protection rules of the NFL shifts, but also not to let them play with the rest of the unit.

"I do not know if it affects the other 10 in defense," said Williams. "I think it has an impact on the game, yes, but I do not think it affects the other 10 on the defense.

"It's difficult because our season is being identified as such, it's the easiest thing to do, it's the easiest thing to pin down." I think it's affecting the game? Yes, I think it affects the game. " think they're putting a lot of pressure on the referees now to make those calls, and that really affects the game. I do not blame the referees. They have to make the call that they feel and see as good at that time, but that really affects the game. And that affects the wins and the losses. "