Facing the Broncos’ formidable defense, the Packers are clear about their stance: they know what they’ve got and where they’re headed.
GREEN BAY — The Packers’ consensus is simple: Denver’s defense may be the toughest test they’ve faced all season. Their plan for Sunday? Show up, execute, and rise to the challenge.
“It’s a great challenge,” Head Coach Matt LaFleur said, “and it also comes with a big opportunity.”
The Denver matchup features a Broncos unit that has allowed just 16.8 points per game over its past five outings against a Green Bay offense scoring 27.3 points per game over its last four. Denver also boasts the league’s best third-down defense (30.9%), while Green Bay owns the top offense on third down (50.6%). The contrast sets up a compelling AFC vs. NFC showdown late in the season.
The standout element of Denver’s defense is its pass rush, which leads the league with 55 sacks and is on pace to near the all-time single-season mark of 72 held by the 1985 Chicago Bears. Edge rusher Nik Bonitto leads the charge with 12½ sacks, followed by Jonathon Cooper’s 7½. Inside, Zach Allen and John Franklin-Myers have combined for 11½ sacks, and seven additional defenders have at least two sacks each, giving the Broncos 11 players with multiple sacks this year.
“It’s not just one guy you can target,” Packers quarterback Jordan Love noted when discussing game planning against a front loaded with فعerse talent. “You’re dealing with five players who have all won at different times against different teams. We have to execute up front. I have full confidence in our line; they’ve kept improving in pass protection as the season has progressed. It’ll be a good test.”
Denver’s front also shines against the run, yielding the fewest rushing yards per attempt in the league at 3.7. Behind the pressure is Pat Surtain II, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, a shutdown corner likely headed for his third first-team All-Pro honor in five seasons.
Surtain hasn’t intercepted a pass this season (though he had four last year, returning one for a score), but he’s already tied his 2024 total with 11 pass breakups, giving him a path to surpass his rookie-year career high of 14. Whether the Broncos decide to shadow a specific receiver, such as Christian Watson, will be watched closely on Sunday.
“He's just a smart corner,” Love said. “His ability to read routes and play sticky coverage is impressive. Often you see him break on plays before the receiver even does. It comes from his film study, his football IQ, and his confidence.”
So, a dynamic pass rush, a stout run defense, and a lockdown corner guided by a sharp defensive mind in Vance Joseph. It’s no wonder LaFleur said there isn’t a true weak link on the Broncos’ defense.
Yet there will still be opportunities. The Packers aren’t backing down from top-tier defenses, and they’re ready to put their big-play ability to the test. Green Bay sits in the league’s upper quartile for long completions, with eight different receivers recording at least one catch of 20+ yards during their current four-game winning streak. In recent matchups against Detroit and Chicago, Love has delivered back-to-back passer ratings above 120.
“I don’t think they’re flawless, or hole-free,” Watson admitted. “There are plays to be made. We’ll stay solid with our game plan and look for ways to create big plays.”
Watson, who has caught five touchdowns over the last four games (three from 51, 23, and 41 yards), isn’t letting the Surtain shadow dominate his mental approach. He plans to study all potential matchups, then react accordingly.
Regardless of how things unfold, the Packers will enter Denver with respect for the challenge before them but without fear.
“We’re going to face a really good defense, and we have confidence in our offense,” Watson stated. “If we want to reach our goals, we must compete against elite defenses and prove we can be one of the league’s best offenses.”
In the end, Green Bay believes in what they’ve got and what they can accomplish when they put it all together on Sunday.
