Green Bay Packers Defense: Struggling or Overrated?

In just two weeks time, the defending Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers have more questions than answers.  Their 2-0 record does not begin to tell the the problems they are having overall. 

Defense, first off, was the biggest and most aggressive part of the Packers, with players like Clay Matthews knocking quarterbacks out left and right, and the crafty vet Charles Woodson picking off the remains, literally.  In 2010, the Pack Attack allowed an average of 15 points per game to opposing offenses. 

Offensively, Aaron Rodgers hasn't missed a beat.  With five touchdown passes in two games, Rodgers is staking his claim in the MVP race and making his receivers better because of it.  Jordy Nelson has become a premier receiver in the NFL, operating primarily out of the slot.  Nelson could very well be on his way to Wes Welker-like hype around him if Rodgers can keep feeding him the ball.

Which leads to the problem, why have both games against the New Orleans Saints and then the Carolina Panthers been such nail-biters? 

Simply put, the secondary hasn't been up to standards so far this season. 

Now, giving up 419 yards and three touchdowns to Drew Brees is nothing to be ashamed of, considering Brees is one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL right now.  But allowing 432 yards (a new rookie record mind you) to Cam Newton, who passed for 422 yards on a very less-than-stellar Arizona Cardinal defense the week before, is a major cause for concern.

Yes, the defense was able to pick off Newton three times in that game, but also keep in mind that Cam is still a rookie and is prone to making throws that can be questionable at times.

Now with the loss of Nick Collins for the season, the Packer secondary may have even more trouble correcting their flaws.  Over 800 yards of passing allowed in two weeks is something that could dramatically change the course of Green Bay's season if they cannot right the ship. 

All in all, maybe the Packers can get it together in the secondary.  The only question is: How long will it take for that to happen?  With games against teams with stellar offenses like Chicago, Atlanta and San Diego, there is a very slim margin for error. 

Green Bay was able to figure out their issues late last season on their way to their Super Bowl championship.  Can they afford to wait that long this year? 

Only time will tell.