For most of training camp, we have a conversation about the ‘hype train’ for different players. Well, have you heard of the hype train around the Packers defense in general? People are very excited about this defense. And for good reason, they’ve added some key cogs with Z’Darius Smith, Preston Smith, and Adrian Amos. Not to mention drafting two guys in the first round in Rashan Gary and Darnell Savage who can both contribute in Week 1 of the NFL season. This is the best a Packers defense looked to start a year in years. I honestly cannot remember the last time fans were this excited for a defense. Maybe the year the team brought in Julius Peppers or Charles Woodson’s year? Regardless, they’re getting national media attention for their defense.

Adam Schein of NFL.com and CBS Sports host believes the Packers have a top-ten defense this season. Part of his reasoning are things I outlined above. The influx of new talent, Mike Pettine in Year 2 and capable rookies ready to play. This list is eye-catching for any fan cheering for the NFC North as Schein puts Chicago at number three, Minnesota at number seven and Green Bay at nine. You want the old ‘Black and Blue division’ in the NFC North? You have it with these three teams barring any injury. It definitely helps the Packers that they have the best quarterback out of the three teams.

One thing to add on about this defense is they’re deeper than I can remember a Packers team especially at the secondary position. You have players like Tony Brown, Ka’Darr Hollman at the corner position who can step up. Raven Greene and Ibrehiem Campbell are both capable safeties. Oren Burks is a loss, but it is only a short-term one, so, they may be able to survive with a young middle linebacker for a couple of weeks. They have a future star on the defensive line in Kingsley Keke, Tyler Lancaster did some nice things on that line too. Packers haven’t had that with their defense in the last few years.

What do you think? Does this Packers team have that good of defense?

Charlie.