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quote:
Packers' fumble recovery problem yet untackled
jsonline.com

Bob McGinn on Friday, October 26th, 2012

Coach Mike McCarthy demanded better tackling, and better tackling he has received.

But has the price for improved fundamental tackling been costly in the long run?

Judging by the Green Bay Packers' failure to recover even one fumble by the opposition in the first seven games, it's a question worth pondering.

Still, as obsessive as McCarthy can be about turnover differential, seeing the Packers as the only team in the National Football League without one takeaway via fumble has been bothering him no end.

Based on Journal Sentinel analysis, Green Bay's defense missed 140 tackles in 17 games last season, its most since the statistic was first recorded in 1999. McCarthy was livid and vowed several times that tackling would improve. Through seven games in 2011, the defense had 53 missed tackles. In seven games this season, it has missed 31.

Since 2009, Green Bay ranks 31st in opponents' fumbles recovered with 25. After leading the NFL with 21 in 2002, the Packers never recovered more than 11 from 2003-'08, either.continue
Past the click, a comprehensive look at the lack of forced fumbles by the Packers and quotes from MM, Dom Capers, safeties coach Darren Perry and CB coach Joe Whitt about the steps they're taking to remedy the situation. Great click.
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We really don't have many physical "hitters" on our defense that will put their helmet on the ball at high speed. Of the guys that play the back 7, McMillan seems like the only one that has some "pop" in his tackling. Williams, Shields, & Burnett are more "grab & hold on guys". Losing Bishop hurt our "physicality". Our best bet for causing fumbles would appear to be on sacks....we've been close there & it will happen soon.
quote:
Still, as obsessive as McCarthy can be about turnover differential, seeing the Packers as the only team in the National Football League without one takeaway via fumble has been bothering him no end.

"Sounds like you were in my team meeting this week," McCarthy said. "I can't deny it. I'm all over the team about it."
Sounds to me like McGinn had an angle on a story and MM and Capers confirmed it. I don't think he's saying the lack of fumble recoveries is more important than tackling. I think his point is that it's a missed opportunity for the defense. MM and Capers agreed.

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