Cheese Curds, 12/30: Packers’ run defense steps up, Adams closes in on history

Suddenly, the Green Bay Packers appear to have a defense capable of winning games against good teams. That was what happened on Sunday night against the Tennessee Titans — yes, the offense did more than its share by hitting the 40-point mark, but the defense controlled the explosive Titans offense and allowed just 14 points to a unit that entered week 16 as a top-five unit.

And don’t pin that just on the flow of the game, either. When things were still close early on, the Packers still clamped down, allowing just two total first downs to the Titans in the first three series while forcing a turnover.

That helped allow Davante Adams and Aaron Rodgers to get going, as Adams now is nearing some lofty marks in both team and NFL history. Look for him to tie or eclipse at least two franchise single-season records on Sunday in Chicago barring anything unexpected.

Packers played ‘physical football’ in season’s biggest win to date | Packers.com
Matt LaFleur complimented several players for their performances in Sunday's game on Monday. Preston Smith earned praise for setting a great edge against the run while the running game on offense excelled without one of the backfield's key players.

Once wobbly vs. the run, defense emerging | Packersnews.com
4.3 yards per carry is a great average to hold Derrick Henry to. Only once in the past seven games has he averaged less than that, and the Packers' run defense is now up to 15th overall in DVOA and 19th against the run.

Packers' Davante Adams, Aaron Rodgers 'on the same page' right into record books - ESPN
Adams has hit several milestones already this year, including 100 catches, 1,000 receiving yards, and 15 touchdowns, doing so in just 13 games. But his connection with Rodgers (and a passing game that is focused around getting him the football) are big reasons why.

Davante Adams in reach of Packers’ triple crown of receiving records | Packers Wire
The team's single-season receiving marks are all in jeopardy. Receptions should be the first to fall, and he could tie the touchdown mark with just one more. The toughest mark to reach would be Jordy Nelson's yardage record, as Adams would need 192 yards to eclipse the record from 2014.

Packers have a wanted problem at running back | Packer Report
Too many talented players is a good problem to have at any position, but it certainly makes for tough decisions in the spring when Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams hit free agency..

How to watch Wisconsin Badgers football vs. Wake Forest in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl - Bucky’s 5th Quarter
If you’re a Badger fan, don’t forget that the Mayo Bowl is today. Here’s the Game Primer from B5Q with info on how to tune in.

Utah boy, 11, catches 48-pound trout six months after nabbing 41 pounder | WJAC
Oh come on. That's just a literal fish story -- pics or it didn't happen. Oh wait, there are pictures? Well done, kid!