The Green Bay Packers defense — which missed 16 tackles and got gashed by the Pittsburgh Steelers last week — must do a considerably better job at limiting space and yards after the catch for the stars of the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday at Lambeau Field.
Running back Austin Ekeler and receiver Keenan Allen — the two top playmakers for the Chargers — both rank among the top 20 players in yards after the catch among NFL players this season.
Ekeler ranks second in average yards after the catch (12.8) among players with at least 20 targets. He’s made 12 catches behind the line of scrimmage but is averaging over 10 yards per catch on those plays. The Chargers are a great screen team and Ekeler is elite at creating on his own in space. Rallying to the ball when Ekeler gets screen passes or dumpoffs is a must on Sunday.
Allen isn’t necessarily a dynamic player after the catch but Justin Herbert and the Chargers consistently find ways of hitting him in stride for completions. He’s done much of his damage on intermediate routes where he can make the catch and accelerate up field for extra yards, particularly against zone coverage. The Packers won’t stop Allen from making catches on Sunday, but getting him down immediately has to be a key.
Matt LaFleur’s team will return linebacker Quay Walker and should have cornerback Jaire Alexander on Sunday, helping both causes. This is a big spot for Walker, who needs to be the rangy, sideline-to-sideline antidote to Ekeler. The Packers probably won’t have Alexander follow Allen every play, but having No. 23 on the field gives the defense a better chance of limiting the NFL’s current catch leader, especially considering all the injuries the Chargers are dealing with at receiver.
The Packers defense has a big challenge on Sunday against Herbert and the No. 7 overall scoring offense. Keeping Ekeler and Allen from torturing the Packers in space and after the catch has to be a top key for Joe Barry’s group.