Packers defense offers hope

By GERY WOELFEL
If there was a silver lining in the Green Bay Packers’ 39-22 loss to the Minnesota Viking last Sunday, it was their defense.
Say what?
Yes, the defense.
Even though the final score might not reflect it, the Packers’ defense acquitted itself well, especially in the first half when it thoroughly dominated the Vikings’ offense in taking a 19-10 lead into the third quarter.
In that first half, the Packers clearly showed they aren’t the conservative, play-it-sefe Jeff Hafley’s defense. Rather, new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon’s defense went on the attack, first flustering Vikings starting quarterback Kyler Murray and then his backup Carson Wentz.
The Packers deployed a corner blitz with Keisean Nixon.
The Packers deployed a linebacker blitz by Edgerrin Cooper.
Even in the third quarter, the Green Bay defense did its part. It allowed a touchdown but the Packers still led 22-17.
Even into the fourth quarterback, Green Bay’s defense performed well.
After Packers quarterback Jordan Love came up short on a keeper on fourth down, the Packers defense made not one, not two but three big-time stops that figured to give Green Bay the ball back.
The zebras saw otherwise.
Referee Shawn Hocheli and his crack crew called the Packers for penalties on each of those three stops, calls that were highly controversial and costly for Green Bay.
The Vikings then went on to score a touchdown on that drive, and the floodgates were open.
The bottom line is the Packers’ defense was virtually exceptional for 3-plus quarters. They had three sacks and surrendered 239 yards in the game, the fourth fewest yards for any team in Week 1.
If the Packers’ defense a can replicate, or even come close to replacing their showing against the Vikings, they should be in a good shape Sunday against the Jets.
WHAT THE ODDSMAKERS ARE SAYING: Packers are favored by 3 points.
WHAT’S GW SAYING: Packers 24, Jets 17.