3 things the Packers need to fix for a Super Bowl run

SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 3: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers calls a play in the huddle during the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on November 3, 2020 in Santa Clara, California. The Packers defeated the 49ers 34-17. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images) /

3 of 3

Nov 15, 2020; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars running back James Robinson (30) runs the football against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

Stop the run

Run defense was an issue for the Packers last year, as evidenced by their humiliating loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game. This past offseason, the Packers did very little to improve upon it. The Packers didn’t make many additions on the defensive side of the ball, as they lost a key player in inside linebacker Blake Martinez.

Flash forward to this season, and the rush defense is still bad, to no surprise. On Sunday, the Packers had difficulty stopping one James Robinson, the undrafted rookie out of Illinois State, as he took 23 carries for 109 yards. Entering Week 10, the Packers surrendered nine touchdowns and 111 yards per game to opposing running backs.

Related Story. Packers sign David Bakhtiari to contract extension. light

The Packers made it clear that they were in the market for help against the run at the trade deadline. Specifically, Green Bay reportedly called the New York Giants about acquiring nose tackle Dalvin Tomlinson at the trade deadline, per NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport. The Giants turned down the offer, as they considered Tomlinson as a key piece to their defense. After failed negotiations, the Packers decided to stick with what they had.

It’s up to defensive coordinator Mike Pettine to fix this problem. If not, the Packers will have an early exit from the playoffs.

Home/Green Bay Packers