The Green Bay Packers defense has been the most consistent part of the team early in a turbulent 2026 season, with one poor performance against the Atlanta Falcons looking more like an outlier compared to otherwise strong performances from Jonathan Gannon’s group.
But after a soft schedule to start the year, some tough tests lie ahead, starting on Sunday night against the Dallas Cowboys. The upcoming stretch of games will be an indicator of just how good this defense really is.
The Packers are eighth in expected points added (EPA) per play allowed on defense right now and are coming off a five-turnover game against the Chicago Bears. However, it cannot be avoided that they have benefitted from some fortunate quarterback matchups so far.
Kyler Murray
was knocked out of the opener in Minnesota on the second drive. After facing Geno Smith and Michael Penix – who are not exactly elite quarterbacks – they have feasted on Jalon Daniels and Tyson Bagent in the last two games.
Ultimately, they can only beat what is in front of them, and they deserve credit for pretty dominant displays against both the Buccaneers and Bears. When they have faced some of the more elite skill players in the league though, they have been burned badly.
Green Bay held Justin Jefferson down for the first part of the Vikings game, but he got them eventually for 92 yards and two touchdowns. Bijan Robinson and Drake London combined for over 400 yards and two touchdowns by themselves when the Packers hosted the Falcons.
On Sunday, Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens will come to town. Lamb did not play in last year’s 40-40 tie between Green Bay and Dallas, but Pickens went off for 134 yards and two scores. Prescott had 319 passing yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions.
Seven of the Packers’ remaining opponents rank in the top half of the league in EPA/per play right now: the Bills (1), Lions (3), Cowboys (7), Panthers (8), Rams (9), Patriots (11), Texans (12), Bears (14) and Saints (16).
They play Detroit twice and unlike Sunday, Chicago will have Caleb Williams in the lineup barring another injury.
Green Bay will have Micah Parsons back at some stage, but he will not play against Dallas on Sunday and almost certainly will not against Detroit next week. Whether he is ready to return for the matchups against Carolina and New England remains to be seen.
While it has been a rocky start for the offense, it is pretty clear at this stage that as long as Jordan Love is protected, they can put up points against anyone.
There is more unknown on the defensive side of the ball based on their schedule so far, and after losing Edgerrin Cooper and Javon Hargrave in back-to-back weeks, facing the league’s high-powered offenses will be even more of a challenge.
A lot will be learned about the ceiling of Jonathan Gannon’s defense over the next month or so.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers defense faces run of tough tests starting with Cowboys
