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The Green Bay Packers defense has been riding a roller coaster so far this season.
Game-to-game, drive-to-drive and sometimes even play-to-play see varying levels of performance by Dom Capers’ squad. They dominated to open the season against the Seattle Seahawks only to get their doors blown off the following week in Atlanta. Then they struggled early against the Bengals which was followed by a dominant second half.
Even against the Cowboys, the defense couldn’t get off the field on critical third downs yet still scored a touchdown off an interception.
There have been a lot of moving parts on the Green Bay defense thus far, so some inconsistency is to be expected.
Where there has been consistency however is in the play of linebacker Clay Matthews. He only has 2.5 sacks, but that stat line does not fully indicate how vital he is to the defense nor his solid performance five games into the season.
Read more on Matthews’ 2017 campaign and more in today’s cheese curds.
Clay Matthews making impact for Packers beyond sacks—PackersNews.com
As Tom Silverstein says, Matthews is creating pressure and making plays in coverage. At 31, how Matthews is making an impact may be changing but he’s showing he can still be effective.
Aaron Jones cherishes opportunity to make first NFL start in Texas—Packers.com
The rookie from the University of Texas-El Paso was surrounded by friends and family when he made his first pro start in the state he went to high school and college in. The rookie ended up putting on a great show for them.
Blake Martinez: Green Bay linebacker bringing it—Lombardi Ave.
No one knew what Martinez’s role would be entering the season but now everyone has their answer: playmaker.
Davante Adams: ‘Real Deal’ who will need a new deal soon—ESPN
Adams has followed up his breakout 2016 season with a stellar start to 2017 despite leaving the Week 4 game against the Bears on a stretcher. With his rookie contract expiring after the season, will the Packers sign Adams in-season or could he hit the free agent market?
Vikings' Bradford/Bridgewater decision could hinge on knee questions—Minneapolis Star-Tribune
The Vikings, who face the Packers this Sunday, will soon face a critical decision at the quarterback position. Will Sam Bradford’s recurring knee problems be too much for the Vikings to warrant a new contract? Or will the uncertainty of Teddy Bridgewater’s injury force them to keep Bradford around?