Through three games, the Green Bay Packers' defense looked as impressive as any, but Thursday night's game against the Philadelphia Eagles proved that the team has a porous position.
Eagles running back Jordan Howard was able to seemingly run all over the defense many were gawking over. Going for 87 yards and two scores as well as three receptions for 28 yards , it seemed that when in need of a big play, Howard was able to break off an important five to fifteen yard gain.
Backup Miles Sanders also got in on the fun as he went for 72 yards on 11 carries.
Mike Sando of The Athletic stated Thursday's game “indirectly exposed Green Bay’s vulnerability at inside linebacker, a known concern entering the season.” While the Packers have been outstanding getting to the quarterback thanks to Preston Smith and Za'Darius Smith, running the ball has in between those players has been a weak spot.
Article Continues BelowBecause of the issues that they have had at their linebacker position, the Packers were forced to stay in a nickel defensive as the Eagles ran the ball down their throat. As Sando explained:
“Philly ran the ball 13 times for 82 yards when its 12 personnel faced Green Bay’s nickel defense. That’s the most carries and rushing yards any team’s offense has gained against any team’s defense this season when using 12 personnel against nickel defense.”
As the Packers look forward to their meeting against the Dallas Cowboys, they will face an even more fearsome rusher in Zeke Elliott. They will have to do a better job against the run or Dak and Zeke's play action can be scary for the Packers this Sunday.