It's certainly not scheme. The so-called "quad" base defense, or 4-3, basically lasted two games.

It's not the defensive line. The Packers still can't stop the run, and the pass rush from the lighter, more athletic unit hasn't made up the difference.

The inside linebacker position remains an albatross around the neck of coordinator Dom Capers.

All things considered, the rotation system at outside linebacker has brought little more than comparable results from previous seasons.

It's the cornerbacks and safeties. As a whole, they've played outstanding football.

True, the secondary hasn't tackled well. The unit has 29 misses, 13 more than after six games last season.

But when it comes to coverage, few teams, if any, can do it any better.

JSOnline  wrote:

I agree the secondary has been the largest improvement especially at S but I very much disagree with the marginalizing of the improvements we've had with our pass rush from the d-line and linebackers. One thing we had last year was a decent amount of sacks but almost no pressure outside of that. What we have this year is a lot more pressure on the QB and it's made a noticeable difference especially with turnovers which funnily enough gets credited to the secondary.

Originally Posted by: steveishere 

Too true. We almost never saw the front of the pocket collapse around the quarterback last year. If the opposing quarterback avoided the occasional edge rush last year and stepped up into the pocket, there would be acres of space to make something happen--wait for something to open up downfield or take off running. This year we've actually collapsed the pocket at times. It makes for uncomfortable throws at best and sometimes prevents the quarterback from stepping into the throw.

This year we've had pressure generated up the middle from guys who weren't here or weren't productive last year--Datone early in the season and Guion the last couple of weeks being the most notable in my opinion.

Originally Posted by: mi_keys 

As long as you're handing out deserved praise for guys like Datone and Guion, how about Nick Perry and Mike Neal? Those two are quietly making plays when called upon. Sack distribution is pretty even with Daniels, Peppers, Perry and Neal. Guion has a couple, and Matthews nearly added a few more today.

Originally Posted by: evad04 

I agree the secondary has been the largest improvement especially at S but I very much disagree with the marginalizing of the improvements we've had with our pass rush from the d-line and linebackers. One thing we had last year was a decent amount of sacks but almost no pressure outside of that. What we have this year is a lot more pressure on the QB and it's made a noticeable difference especially with turnovers which funnily enough gets credited to the secondary.

Originally Posted by: steveishere 

True! The D has pressured the QB's, causing turnovers that were missing last year.
VERY improved!

Originally Posted by: Cheesey