It took one epic flagfest to help cure the Packers of their penalty addiction.
Ranked in the “top” four in penalties the last three years, Green Bay hit bottom with 18 penalties in a Week Three loss to the Bears. Things have dramatically changed since.
Jason Wilde of ESPNWisconsin.com breaks it all down, noting the Packers have only four total penalties during their impressive four-game winning streak. They’ve committed the sixth-fewest penalties in the league this season. Only two teams have been charged with fewer penalty yards.
The Packers have evolved into the Super Bowl contenders we expected by improving their defense and pass protection as the season has worn on. They are also playing smarter.
This Sunday’s game in Atlanta will be a great test for the Packers’ development. The Falcons don’t blow you away with any one trait, but they are second in turnover margin (+10) and are mentally tough, especially in the fourth quarter.
The Packers are fifth in turnover margin at +8. Their offense is more explosive than Atlanta’s, but it is the Packers’ newfound discipline that may put them over the top.