The Green Bay Packers are typically known for their offense, but in their season opener against the Chicago Bears on Thursday night, it was their defense that stole the show in a 10-3 road victory.
Afterward, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur raved about his team's defensive performance.
“That defense was smothering,” LaFleur said, according to Mike Spofford of the Packers' official team website. “It’s been a while since a [Packers] defense came in saved the day. I’m so glad and thankful that Gutey invested in those guys. It was a great night for him, and for [defensive coordinator] Mike Pettine and our defensive staff … and our players, of course.”
Green Bay revamped its defense this offseason, and all of its major defensive additions made an impact on Thursday evening.
Linebacker Preston Smith had 1.5 sacks, and fellow linebacker Za'Darius Smith added a sack of his own. Plus, former Bears safety Adrian Amos came up with what proved to be a game-sealing interception in the end zone late in the fourth quarter.
For a Packers defense that ranked just 22nd in the NFL in 2018, this is obviously a major step forward.
This also marks the second consecutive year Green Bay beat Chicago in its season opener, although last season, the Packers won in Wisconsin.
After winning at Soldier Field on Thursday, Green Bay will now head home for three straight games, beginning with a matchup against the Denver Broncos next Sunday.
The Packers are looking to get back to the playoffs for the first time in three years.
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