Dec. 11, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA: At MetLife Stadium in the second quarter, Green Bay Packers linebacker Rashan Gary (52) tackles New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15). * Required Credit: USA TODAY Sports/Vincent Carchietta

In anticipation of their forthcoming game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Green Bay Packers are getting ready. Following a game that featured dubious play calling in the final moments and showcased a formidable Giants offense, Green Bay Packers supporters are keen to learn how the coaching staff will bounce back from their most recent setback.

Green Bay Packers’ Approach to Defense ofthe  Run

Crucial stops were needed at the Meadowlands, and they just didn’t seem to come for a defense that was looking better. The running difference against the Giants was one of the key elements that was unexpected before the game.

East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; December 11, 2023; In the third quarter at MetLife Stadium, New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26), against the Green Bay Packers, tosses the ball back to quarterback Tommy DeVito (15). Required Credit: USA TODAY Sports/Robert Deutsch

The Green Bay Packers defense gave up 209 yards on 34 rush attempts. Going forward, averaging 6.1 yards per rush will almost guarantee that the Packers will host the postseason. This statistic is deceptive because the other team didn’t just show up in the I-formation and control the line of scrimmage the entire game. Tommy DeVito’s scurrying legs and Saquan Barkley’s ability to break a big gain on any given play contributed significantly to the final rushing total.

Joe Barry shared his opinions and stated the following:

It wasn’t limited to a single item or man. Finding that consistency week in and week out is the goal; it was one thing here, one thing there.

Saquon Barkley ran for 52 yards on 19 carries, for a much better-looking 2.7 yards per carry, if you remove his one longest run of 34 yards. The Green Bay Packers defense isn’t meant to use this as an excuse. Because the numbers would appear worse if you played the hypothetical games and added the condition that Barkley wouldn’t fumble at the end.

Dec. 11, 2023, East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA: At MetLife Stadium, New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (age 26) sprints with the ball against Green Bay Packers safety Darnell Savage (age 26). Required Credit: USA TODAY Sports/Robert Deutsch

This is to highlight a recurring theme that emerged in this game and persisted throughout the year. Overall, the defense does a decent job of stopping the rushing game, only allowing crucial talks to happen at the worst possible times.

Packers QB Green Bay rushes against

DeVito’s athleticism was a major factor in the rushing defense’s poor performance as well. He gained 71 yards on 10 rushes, with the longest being 26 yards.

December 11, 2023, SA: At . MetLifeEast Rutherford, New Jersey,   Stadium in the third quarter, Green Bay Packers linebacker Lukas Van Ness (90) tackles New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15). Required Credit: USA TODAY Sports/Robert Deutsch

This largely accounted for the inability of the Green Bay Packers defense to sack DeVito. DeVito was able to elude the pass rush and cause damage to the Packers even in situations where they applied forced pressure or required him to move out of the pocket. DeVito may be saved by the fact that he does not have as much tape on him as other quarterbacks. However, you would think that the defense would be more aware of setting the edge and keeping the pocket closed in a rematch.

Regarding the zero sacks, Coach Barry made the following comment:

The fact that they had been hurrying annoyed me since, although we felt comfortable in our group, I never would have imagined that would have been a problem.

This will be an opportunity to see how this Green Bay Packers defense can adjust in terms of quarterback style and mobility. Although he is a competent runner when forced out of the pocket, Baker Mayfield is a pass-first quarterback who prefers to gain yardage on the ground. We should keep an eye on this resemblance on Sunday.

The Buccaneers versus the Green PackersBay 

This performance needs to be a comeback. Even though the other units had a difficult evening as well, the defense is aware that they let a good opportunity pass them by. This Green Bay Packers organization emphasizes improvement and taking lessons from past errors frequently. If they fail this test on Sunday, their path to the playoffs will become much more difficult.