The Green Bay Packers' defense is playing at an elite level this season.
The Green Bay Packers' defense has been the catalyst for many of their wins this season, and that continued on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings.
The Packers defense held the Vikings to six points, putting in a dominant performance. Minnesota did not score in the second half as Green Bay's defense played at an elite level.
They held quarterback J.J. McCarthy to 87 yards passing, zero touchdowns, and two interceptions. The Vikings were better on the ground, as they rushed for 93 yards, but it didn't make a difference when they couldn't complete a pass off of it.
The Packers' pass rush also contributed to McCarthy's struggles. They came away with five sacks, with two from Micah Parsons, two from Devonte Wyatt, and a 0.5 sack from Isaiah McDuffie and Warren Brinson.
Rashan Gary also had a productive game despite not getting a sack. Gary hit McCarthy as he was throwing, which led to a McDuffie interception.
This was the most dominant performance that the defense has put together, but they have consistently played at a high level.
Green Bay will now look to shut down the Lions offense for the second time this season. Back in Week 1, the Packers held the Lions to just 13 points, with their lone touchdown coming in garbage time.
In the game, Jared Goff completed 31 of 39 passes for 225 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. The Packers' defense got a ton of pressure on Goff, as they had four sacks.
Most impressively, Green Bay limited Detroit's rushing attack, as Jahmyr Gibbs was held to 19 yards on nine carries and David Montgomery was held to 25 yards on 11 carries.
Heading into this game, the Lions' offense should be confident after a comeback win over the New York Giants in overtime. Gibbs had an incredible game, rushing for 219 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries.
The top priority for defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley's group must be to stop the run again. If the Packers can stop the run early and force the Lions into must-pass situations, it will allow the pass rush led by Parsons to wreck the game.
Green Bay's defense is playing at a Super Bowl caliber, and if the offense becomes more consistent, they will have a legitimate shot to win it all.