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If you think the Green Bay Packers' defense has looked not just better but faster in 2015, it turns out that not only are you right, but that there's a very specific reason for it.
In today's curds, we learn that Dom Capers almost totally overhauled the communication system for his unit to help his players understand their assignments better and play faster. So far, it has seemed to work nicely, with the defense deserving a large amount of credit for the team's 4-0 start.
Dom Capers simplifies defensive playbook, amps up speed | JSOnline.com
Slimming down the playbook and making the calls easier for his players is part of a concerted effort by Capers to increase playing speed and reduce the number of mental errors. So far, it appears to be working.
Green Bay Packers rookie WR Ty Montgomery apologizes for dropped pass - ESPN
Montgomery sought out Aaron Rodgers after dropping a pass that likely would have been an 80-yard touchdown, but Rodgers told him "I'm going to come back to you." And he did, with the rookie catching three passes later on in the contest.
Packers haven't changed O with James Jones addition - NFL.com
At least, they haven't changed philosophically, but they have done so in practicality, as the deep ball is less frequent without Jordy Nelson.
Ranking all 32 NFL offensive lines entering Week 5 | ProFootballFocus.com
The Packers have fallen from 4th in last year's rankings to 26th so far in 2015, but much of that has been due to a lot of penalties and the issues the tackles have had in pass protection.
Donald, Gurley Rams' young cornerstones | Packers.com
Todd Gurley broke out last week in the second half against Arizona, while Aaron Donald has been dominating the interior line since his arrival last year. Furthermore, the Rams are tied for second in the NFL with 17 sacks and will pose a huge challenge for the Packers' struggling tackles...but the team they're tied with? The Packers.
DraftKings, FanDuel amend employee policies after controversy - SBNation.com
Employees from both companies were always forbidden to play for money at their own company, and now that restriction applies to playing at a competitor’s site as well.