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Cheese Curds, 10/14: Packers defense eyes Brady turnovers; 1-yard offense still a problem

While the defense sets its sights on making big plays this Sunday, the Packers’ offense must be frustrated about its lack of success from three feet outside the goal line.

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NFL: Los Angeles Chargers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Green Bay Packers’ defense has not been a strong source of turnovers yet this season. With three takeaways, the unit ranks just 27th in the NFL, and fortunately the team has a +3 turnover differential thanks to the offense’s tremendous ball control through four games.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers? They are a different story.

Tampa has a +2 differential on the season, but that is largely because they rank sixth in the NFL with nine takeaways. They have given the ball up seven times this season, with Tom Brady throwing four interceptions — two of which have been returned for touchdowns. That should mean that the Packers will have some opportunities to create those field-tilting plays on Sunday.

Meanwhile, one of the few issues that the Packers have had on offense this season — something that dates back to last year as well — is struggling in the goal line offense. The team’s success in punching the football in from the one-yard line is rather mystifying, and Matt LaFleur and his staff will need to find some answers so that situation does not continue to be a challenge.

All that and more in today’s curds!

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