:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67341328/usa_today_13767551.0.jpg)
In 2019, the Green Bay Packers’ defense posted a solid bounce-back performance. With new players at several levels of the defense, the Packers rebounded from Mike Pettine’s rough first year as coordinator, dropping their points per game allowed from 25 (22nd in the NFL) to 19.6 (ninth).
One major reason for this change was an increase in turnovers. A unit that picked off just seven passes and caused only 15 total takeaways in 2018 leapt up to 17 and 25 a year ago. The 17 picks ranked the Packers in a tie for third in the NFL, while the total turnover number put them in eighth place.
The Packers have been among the league leaders in takeaways in most of their best seasons over the past few decades; they were in the top five in the NFL in turnover differential last year, as well as in 2014, 2011, 2010, and 2009, with first-place finishes in 2014, 2009, 2002(!), and 1996.
More turnovers always are a good thing. But expecting — or even hoping for — a team that was among the best in the NFL at picking off passes to improve in that area is unlikely. If anything, where the Packers can improve in the turnover department is on fumbles, where their eight takeaways put them in a tie for 21st.
A look at one key position group and their impact on the turnover battle leads off our curds this morning as we look ahead to Saturday’s cut-down deadline.
Green Bay Packers putting emphasis on more interceptions from safeties | Packersnews.com (subscription)
The Packers’ two new safeties combined for four of the team’s 17 picks last year, but Tom Silverstein says that they need to increase that total to complement the seemingly fearsome pass rush that the team will likely have.
Packers’ Davante Adams projected to be top-3 fantasy WR in 2020 | Packers Wire
Given the fact that he is the only proven consistent player in the Packers' passing attack, he could threaten 200 targets if he's healthy. Especially in a PPR league, that's worth a pick in the top half of round one.
Life on the Bubble | SI.com
Click for a few notable quotes from a handful of Packers players who are riding the roster bubble with cuts coming on Saturday.
Alvin Kamara to return to practice Wednesday amid contract negotiations with Saints | ESPN
Shortly after news broke that the Saints and Kamara were at an impasse on a contract extension, he is now planning to be back at practice today in a show of good faith.
Titletown to kick off fall with new and returning activities | Packers.com
Though there will be no fans in the stands for the first two games at Lambeau, the Packers are trying to find some ways to utilize other spaces, particularly the Titletown district. Thursdays will have live music, which is new and a complement to ongoing events like outdoor movie showings and fitness classes.
Bear wanders into grocery store, grabs bag of Tostitos, dines by trash can | KUTV
Look, sometimes when you find a jar of salsa in the back of the fridge (or the trash) you just need to grab some tortilla chips and finish it off.