Packers get 'measuring stick' to gauge progress in Titans matchup

Cheesehead

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Mar 19, 2019
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In the team's three December wins, the Packers have allowed just 204 rushing yards on 54 carries (3.8 yards per attempt) to skill-position players. Those performances have Green Bay sitting just outside of the top 10 in run defense, allowing 110.1 yards per game, with two games left in the regular season.


"I just think there's been a big-time emphasis on the run game," LaFleur said. "Our guys have taken that to heart, they've taken the challenge. I think we've done a much better job of coaching the run fits and being sound in the run game, and we're going to have to continue to do that."


That being said, Henry presents a whole different set of challenges. Equipped with what LaFleur affectionately calls a "very violent and angry" running style, Henry's power tests even the hardiest of defensive fronts over a four-quarter game.


While Henry is the main attraction, Tannehill is having the best full season of his career with 3,482 passing yards, 31 TDs and five INTs. His top two targets, Davis and A.J. Brown, have combined for 1,826 yards and 15 TDs this year.


Defensively, the Packers received one bit of good news Sunday. Linebacker Krys Barnes is expected to be fine after leaving with an eye injury against Carolina. Wearing the communication headset on most plays, the undrafted rookie from UCLA had six tackles and forced the goal-line fumble of Bridgewater.


"He does such a great job of communicating everything that needs to go on out there," LaFleur said of Barnes. "I think he sees plays very, very quickly. He's able to process and diagnose, and there's no hesitation in his game. Once he sees it, he goes."


The matchup against the Titans provides the perfect test for not only the run defense, but also the Packers' third-ranked scoring offense. Green Bay produced touchdowns on its first three possessions Saturday, with running back Aaron Jones registering 114 total yards in the first two quarters, before the offense fell into a lull during the second half.


Facing a 10-win team looking to win its first division title in 12 years, the Packers know a complete performance and contributions from three phases will be needed to turn back the Titans this Sunday at Lambeau Field.


"I think in the National Football League, especially when you're talking about December football going into the playoffs, you've got to find different ways to win the game," LaFleur said.


"Sometimes you've got to lean on the ground game. Wish we would've gone to it a little bit more. We didn't. We've got to learn from it, move on and it's on to the Tennessee Titans."
 
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