The Green Bay Packers produced 15 total takeaways in 16 games last season. Matt LaFleur’s team will go into Week 4 with over half that total and an unblemished record after another win filled with big plays and important moments from Mike Pettine’s defense.
The Packers used three takeaways – upping their three-game total to eight – and six sacks of Joe Flacco to beat the visiting Denver Broncos by a 27-16 score on Sunday at Lambeau Field.
Although the Broncos ran 73 plays and dominated time of possession, the Packers produced the big plays that changed the game. More specifically, Preston Smith and Jaire Alexander both created turnovers leading to short fields and quick touchdowns.
Smith strip-sacked Flacco late in the first half, setting up a 5-yard touchdown drive after the Broncos tied the game at 10.
Alexander ripped the football away from rookie tight end Noah Fant on the opening drive of the second half, leading to another touchdown and a 24-10 lead.
Preston and Za’Darius Smith finished with five combined sacks, including two on third down and another on fourth down. Preston Smith all but ended the contest with a sack on 4th-and-17 with just over two minutes to play, and Za’Darius Smith literally ended the game with a 12-yard sack on the final play from scrimmage.
Top pick Rashan Gary produced his first career NFL sack. Rookie safety Darnell Savage grabbed his first career NFL interception.
After the Broncos got the game to 24-16 in the third quarter, the Packers defense buckled down. On the final four possessions, the Broncos had an interception, punt, turnover on downs and the end of the game.
The script has been similar in all three of the Packers’ wins. The offense does just enough, especially early, and the defense provides the big plays and game-clinching moments late. It looks like a winning formula for the Packers to start the 2019 season.
