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Cheese Curds, 11/15: Packers defense stumbling of late

Though the Packers have numerous issues at present, none appear more pressing their injury-riddled defense.

NFL: Green Bay Packers at Tennessee Titans Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

After a blowout loss to the Tennessee Titans, this week has effectively become National Packers Crisis Week. Everyone covering the NFL has spouted some theory or explanation for the team's poor play, some more reasonable than others.

However, the Packers have some issues that no reasonable football observer can deny, such as their injury-riddled defense.

The Packers defense is killing their playoff hopes | SB Nation

Earlier in the season, the Packers defense kept the team in games and helped them seal wins over opponents like the New York Giants and Chicago Bears. However, with injuries piling up, the unit has collapsed in recent weeks, and the numbers show just how steep the decline has become. Over Green Bay's last three games, the defense ranks 30th or worse in points allowed, red-zone touchdown percentage, yards per pass, and passer rating.

Health status unclear on offensive lineman T.J. Lang, David Bakhtiari | Wisconsin State Journal

While David Bakhtiari seems to have avoided a more serious injury -- he spoke with the media Monday, generally a positive sign for injured players -- T.J. Lang's situation appears more ominous. Mike McCarthy didn't reveal too much about Lang's status, but his tone suggested a prolonged absence.

What will it take for Packers to turn it around? | Packers.com

Countless theories have circulated regarding the Packers' woes this year. Packers.com senior writer Vic Ketchman believes that the "running game fixes everything." Maybe, but that doesn't seem likely to happen given the team's available personnel.

NFL Mock Draft: Packers, Steelers get help on D | CBS Sports

With the Packers reeling after back-to-back losses to AFC South opponents, many have turned to the 2017 NFL Draft for possible help. In this edition of CBS Sports' mock draft, they have the Packers going after one of the more talented edge rushers in college football -- Tennessee's Derek Barnett. Of course, if Green Bay does manage to turn things around, landing a player of Barnett's caliber becomes harder to fathom.

Jason B. Hirschhorn is an award-winning journalist and Pro Football Writers of America member. He covers the NFL for Sports on Earth and SB Nation. He also serves as the senior writer and editor for Acme Packing Company, a Green Bay Packers blog.