GREEN BAY – The Packers defense will focus on improving its tackling this week, in preparation for Seahawks star running back Marshawn Lynch.
"Everybody in that locker room knows what Marshawn Lynch is capable of doing. We'll be looking to make good strides this week in terms of tackling," Packers Defensive Coordinator Dom Capers said on Monday.
Head Coach Mike McCarthy said the Packers were double-digits in missed tackles in Chicago on Sunday, in the Packers' 31-23 win over the Bears.
"Not good enough. We have to tackle better," Capers said.
Capers cited two other areas of the defense's performance as having been problematic.
"The two major issues were the run defense in the first half – we played the run better in the second half – and our inability to get off the field on third down," Capers said.
Bears running back Matt Forte gained 141 yards rushing – 105 of those yards in the first half – and the Bears converted 11 of 17 third-down attempts.
"We have to continue to work to better our run defense. The better you play the run the more you're going to have the third and eight and nine category, instead of the third and short," Capers said.
Positives in the defense's performance?
"Our red zone defense enabled us to hang in there. The first two series we ended up with sacks and they kicked a field goal. The guys did a pretty job on (Jay) Cutler. He was a 50 percent passer," Capers said.
The Packers held Cutler to a 67.5 passer rating.
Linebacker Clay Matthews made the game-changing play when he intercepted Cutler in the fourth quarter.
"We were in zone coverage and he read the quarterback's eyes. He timed it just right. Cutler didn't see it," Capers said.
Matthews was used at multiple positions. He was used at inside and outside linebacker, and as a pass defender and pass rusher.
"You saw him lined up at the outside linebacker positions yesterday. We like what Clay gives us that way because he can do both. Week to week, that'll change," Capers said.
Matthews will be a key player in the Packers' attempt to stop Lynch and the Seahawks.
