This is a good time to take a look at stats, because we are exactly 3/4 of the way through the season.

When I made a post like this at the season's halfway point, the only good individual Packer stat was Clay Matthews' sack total, which led the league. At that time, Matthews was on pace to challenge the Favre/Strahan season sack record. Since then, he's fallen way off the pace, and his 11.5 sacks are now second in the league, as Miami's Cameron Wake has 12.

The good news is that two of our offensive players have made great strides over the past four games. Greg Jennings has shot up to sixth place in receiving yards (944) and third in touchdowns (11). Meanwhile, Aaron Rodgers is also climbing the charts. He is now fourth in passer rating (100.3), fifth in yards (3243), and tied for fifth in TDs (23).

The defense continues to lead the league in points allowed per game (15.2), although they are only tenth in yards per game. I can't find team stats on turnovers. Maybe someone else can dig that one up.

(Important disclaimer: The author is aware of the fact that wins and losses, not stats, are what is really important. The author merely believes that stats are fun and interesting and sometimes informative.)

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Of all the stats out there, the best stat for winning a SB is to have the #1 D. We currently have that stat.

Since 2000, the '00 Ravens, '02 Bucs, '03 Pats, and '08 Steelers had the #1 D.

Anyone who can find a stat that has 4 of the last 10 SB winners or greater possessing that stat, mention it and I'll give you a +1. I bet you won't find one.

By the way, the '04 Pats had the #2 D and the '05 Steelers had the #3 D. Defense generally wins Championships. Not all the time, but generally.

So among stats, we're in a good position. 😎

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I think Clay has 11.5 sacks.

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Packers are sixth in the league  with a +7 turnover differential.

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Good catch. The site I looked at must've rounded it up to 12. He is actually second in sacks, as Wake has an even 12.0. Bummer. I will make the change in my initial post. Thanks!

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By the Numbers

2. Third downs made (99)

5. Total points per game (26.2), Total Points (419), Third downs attempted (224), Third down percentage (44)

6. Fumbles lost (8), Turnover differential (+7)

7. Fourth downs attempted (18), Time of possession per game (31:37)

8. Total yards per game (351.1)

11. Yards per play (5.6)

12. Total plays from the line of scrimmage (1012)

15. First downs per game (18.7), Fourth downs made (8)

21. Fumbles (25)

23. First down percentage (44)

31. Penalties (110)

32. Penalty yardage (984)

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The Packers remain far and away the most penalized team in the NFL, with only the Dallas Cowboys coming anywhere close.

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Clay hasnt done a whole lot in terms of pass rush latley. He has problems with bigger tackles.

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Pop in a tape from early in the season and then from Sunday with note on his body angle when trying to turn the corner. It is more vertical without the same pressure being applied to the outside shoulder of the tackle.

They can tell us in the press that his shin/leg isn't an issue.. however what you see on Sundays is telling a different story.

He should have had the rookie for breakfast and lunch Sunday.. but he instead was forced to remove a large part of his game which is beating them around the corner with his body lean and speed.. but the guy is still creating havoc and freeing up space for other players..

But I still contend, he isn't totally healthy and it is showing.

His tailing off on the numbers isn't a coincidence.

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But I'm fine with that if he's causing others to get sacks as football is a team sport. We got 35 sacks total. That's pretty good. That's almost 3 a game.

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