Rather than being steamrolled in the run game, the Green Bay Packers pass defense let Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay offense do whatever they wanted as the Bucs pulled away in the second half of a 34-20 win on Sunday at Lambeau Field.
Live from the press box, here are my instant takeaways from the Packers performance:
— It wasn’t as egregious as the Giants game, but Jordan Love and the Packers passing game was off again for stretches. There was poor spacing among the receivers, some missed throws by Love, and missed blocks up front that disrupted the timing of the play. On the flip side, we also saw Love and the offense find some rhythm, which included key third down pick ups and an impressive touchdown pass. But when your defense only forces one punt the entire game, it’s tough to keep up. At least initially, the final stat sheet looks better than what actually took place.
— On a positive note, and while it’s not always perfect, it’s impressive how reliable Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks have become this season. Third downs, in the red zone, must-have-it situations, they often come through.
— Any sort of positive play for the Green Bay defense hinged on whether or not they were able to pressure Baker Mayfield. If not, it was easy pitch and catch all day for the Bucs’ offense. Very little was contested by the Packers and the Bucs controlled the middle of the field. It was a rough day for the linebackers and safeties.
— When the pass rush got to Mayfield, they did well at converting those opportunities to sacks this week. But ultimately, on any play where that didn’t happen, the back end of the Packers defense couldn’t hold up even a little.
— I’m not sure if Joe Barry was ever off the hot seat, but he’s very much on it in this moment with how the defense has performed the last two games. Mayfield threw for nearly 400 yards while the Bucs averaged a whopping 7.6 yards per play. It was like the Bucs knew exactly what was coming from Green Bay.
— I’m not predicting a move is made at defensive coordinator, but that’s the type of performance in a key game – coupled with the play of this unit the last two-plus years – where you do wonder if it’s a conversation to be had. Nothing that has happened previously suggests this will be the case.
— It was good to see Aaron Jones back on the field. That burst and playmaking that he possesses is unmatched. He had a chunk run early with some other positive carries mixed in. Matt LaFleur said pre-game that they would be mindful of Jones’ touches in his first game back. The Bucs have one of the best run defenses in football and held Jones to a modest 4.1 yards per carry.
— The Tampa Bay defense entered the game allowing the ninth-most red zone trips per game this season. However, they ranked fourth in red zone touchdowns allowed. Today’s game played out that way, with Green Bay making five visits to the red zone but scoring just two touchdowns.
— I mentioned this last week, but the Packers missed the presence of Christian Watson (and Luke Musgrave). Things are a lot more congested in the passing game without that speed on the field.
— Eric Stokes returned from IR and got the start across from Carrington Valentine. Stokes welcome back included being matched up with Mike Evans often. It was Chris Godwin, however, who dominated the passing game, totaling over 150 receiving yards.
— I wrote pre-game that Rachaad White was one of the most productive pass-catching running backs this season. He had only two receptions but took advantage of the space around him, totaling 50 yards and a touchdown.
— According to PFF prior to this game taking place, a loss dropped the Packers playoff chances to just 29 percent.
— After an inconsistent month, Anders Carlson was perfect on his field goal and extra point attempts today.
— The highs and lows that this season has brought with it have been wild.