Wednesday Cheese Curds: Defense Making Its Mark

The Packers’ defense seems to be making a move here in the second week of training camp.

It’s tough to put too much significance on headlines alone, but the panopticon of Packers’ media seems to have really turned its attention to the defense. It’s not enough to say whether or not the defense is actually good or bad or anything like that, but it feels noteworthy that a unit still without its best player is garnering this much attention in camp.

I’m preaching to the choir when I say this, but the defense absolutely has to be good this year. The Packers have invested too many resources and too much time for anything short of a high quality unit, and too much depends on it for it to slack at all. This isn’t a team that’s going to have to be carried by the defense, but the more load the defense can carry, the more the offense can experiment and try different things as it sorts out its own identity.

Of course, there is the lingering possibility that the defense is looking good because the offense is falling on its face in camp. There are certainly a few questions yet unresolved on that side of the ball, but let’s take the positive angle. The Packers’ defense is earning its attention through genuinely solid play, and it augurs well for the season ahead.

Fingers crossed!

Jonathan Gannon puts stamp on Packers defense: ‘He’s a little crazy’ | Packers Wire

Ideally, your defensive coordinator should be a little bit crazy, I think

Packers rookie Brandon Cisse trying to dig his heels into starting spot | Packers News ($)

The sooner Cisse ascends, the better.

Starting Corner, Rookie Corner Top Winners, Losers From Packers Training Camp | Sports Illustrated

Another shoutout for Cisse, who seems to be making his mark.

Packers’ Micah Parsons: Playing vs. Cowboys in Week 6 ‘realistic’ | ESPN

Parsons isn’t doing anything on the field, but it sounds like he’s champing at the bit for a chance to get back.

5 things learned at Packers training camp – Aug. 4 | Packers.com

Defense features prominently here, too, including a pick-6 from an unlikely source.

A vindicated Aaron Rodgers primed for one last run at elusive second ring in walk-off season with Steelers | CBS Sports

This is one of the first national outlets I can recall that actually gives the Steelers a chance this year.

‘Spider-Man’ screening evacuated due to strong flatulence odor | UPI

This is the best headline I’ve seen in a while.