Cheesehead
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- Mar 19, 2019
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With the Smiths combining for four hits on Mullens, the Packers held the 49ers to only 124 total yards at halftime and only three points through the first three quarters. A week after conceding more than 200 total yards to Dalvin Cook, the Packers limited the 49ers' running game to only 55 yards on 17 carries.
Green Bay came into Thursday night with only four takeaways (two interceptions, two fumbles recovered) through the first seven games of the year – a disappointing start for a defense that tied for seventh in the category (25) a year ago.
The big plays started with the Smith Bros. On Za'Darius' third-quarter sack, his team-best seventh of the season, the Pro Bowl linebacker stepped outside, swiped and landed in the lap of Mullens, knocking the ball out.
"Obviously, getting two turnovers caused by that front (were huge)," Head Coach Matt LaFleur said. "Preston with the hit on the quarterback that caused the interception by Greene, and then also Z's sack fumble. Both those led to points and just really happy with our overall effort."
The Packers did it despite entering the game without cornerback Kevin King (quadriceps), linebacker Kamal Martin (COVID-19/reserve list) and safety Will Redmond (shoulder).
The job didn't get any easier after it lost star cornerback Jaire Alexander (concussion) and Mike linebacker Krys Barnes (calf) during the first half.
"We've got a bunch of young guys and a bunch of new guys on defense," Za'Darius Smith said. "But for the opportunity for us to come together, man, and keep doing what we're doing on this team, we're going to be a great defensive unit."