Through nine weeks of the 2021 season, the Packers have been very good in most phases of the game (as a 7-2 record would suggest). In particular, their pass defense is one of the best in the league and, on offense, the dynamic backfield of Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon has forced defensive coordinators to remain honest toward the Packers' ground game, allowing the Packers to consistently move the chains, even when missing key personnel.
Straight production in the form of yardage, however, has not been the shear difference maker for Green Bay this season. Against Washington and Detroit, they were out-gained in total yards and, given their many injuries, frequently operated in situations where they were at a talent deficit to the other side of the ball. One other, important variable has tilted a number of games in their favor.
A Steep Turnover Ratio
In each of their seven wins, the Packers have won the turnover battle. Against the Cardinals, it was a lopsided 3-to-0 while, in the four weeks preceding that game, the Packers had exactly one more takeaway than giveaway.
So, how have they done it?
The takeaway volume has been consistent from game-to-game and has been mixed in nature: nine interceptions and five fumble recoveries. Those interceptions haven't been a product of Charles Woodson ball-hawking: they've come both downfield and via tipped passes, typically thanks to ample pressure up front. When it comes to fumbles, credit a much more physical style of defense as the driver behind this year's volume that, quite frankly, hasn't been characteristic of past defenses (for reference, the defense had seven total fumble recoveries in each of the past two seasons under Mike Pettine).
To be clear, Green Bay's stellar turnover ratio (14-to-8 through nine weeks) is even more a function of its shrewd denominator. It's well-known by now that Aaron Rodgers simply doesn't turn the ball over. On par with his usual self, he's been intercepted only three times this season - two of those coming in Week 1. But, far more under the radar has been the way that Jones and Dillon have taken care of the football in a running game that anchors LaFleur's offense. Each back has fumbled just once in 192 combined carries.
Before last Sunday's game in Kansas City, the Packers hadn't had more than one giveaway in a game since Week 1 against the Saints. With giveaways this uncommon, the Packers have made it easy on themselves to stay in close games and avoid wasting productive drives the way that the Washington Football Team did numerous times at Lambeau a few weeks back.
Playing with Discipline
It's worth mentioning that, in addition to winning the turnover battle in most games, the Packers have played remarkably disciplined football on both offense and defense.
Despite having missed all-pro tackle David Bakhtiari all season, the offensive line has protected Rodgers well, allowing an average of just over two sacks per game. Behind that success has been superb production by Elgton Jenkins out of his natural position and a blocking scheme that OL coach Adam Stenavich has been able to flex with the young talent at his disposal.
The Packers are also the second-least penalized team in the NFL, averaging only 4.4 penalties per game midway through the regular season. What makes this stat so impressive is the fact that five of 22 starting positions are occupied by a player that began the season as a backup. And despite the missing personnel, the coaching staff has been able to instill discipline and curate matchups that don't regularly induce holding or pass interference calls.
The Packers' excellence in turnovers, pass protection and penalties deserves plenty of accolades. However, there remains one dimension of the game where this discipline is especially lacking. It remains to be seen whether special teams fixes itself, or if LaFleur will have to intervene before it costs the Packers another game.
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