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A trend emerged over the first three games of the Green Bay Packers’ 2018 season.While the overall numbers painted the picture of a team still largely unable to halt opponents with regularity Authentic JK Scott Jersey , a closer look revealed that the Green Bay defense thrived on third down with 4 or more yards to go. Forcing those situations proved to be the challenge at times, but once there new defensive coordinator Mike Pettine could dial up exotic blitzes and consistently short-circuit drives.Against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, Pettine and his defense put on a show on those third-down situations. The Packers forced third-and-4 or longer an impressive 13 times, eight of which resulted in a stop. That third-down defensive success largely won the game for Green Bay and, given the context of the previous three weeks, suggests meaningful progress for the unit after just one quarter of the season.But those numbers don’t fully illustrate the Packers’ third-down dominance. All three of the Bills’ turnovers -- two interceptions and a fumble loss -- came on third down and at least 4 yards to go. Pettine’s exotic blitzes, particularly his affinity for rushing defensive backs, turned the defense into a play-making unit.And perhaps that explains why Aaron Rodgers referred to the defensive performance as “championship” level during his post-game press conference. During the Packers’ best defensive seasons under previous coordinator Dom Capers, the group finished near the top of the league in turnovers. Those takeaways hadn’t totally evaporated in Green Bay over the past few years, but that production needs to improve in order to take the pressure off an offense that remains a work in progress. Forcing more long third downs seems like a reliable way to up those numbers.Ultimately, the Bills present one of the weaker challenges on Green Bay’s schedule, and that factors into any discussion of Sunday’s shutout. At the same time, a good defense should give up few if any points to an offense led by rookie quarterback Josh Allen and arguably the worst collection of offensive talent in the league, and the Packers pulled it off with minimal mistakes.Aaron Jones shows off more than just his running abilityMidway through Aaron Jones’ rookie season, it became clear that the UTEP product had the skills and physical tools to lead the Packers’ ground attack. Injuries derailed that effort, but even so, it seemed Jones would take over the backfield during his second season.Despite missing the first two games of 2018 with a suspension, Jones has once again emerged as a dangerous part of the Packers offense. In his season debut, he led the team with 42 rushing yards on just six carries. Jones built upon that start with an 11-carry, 65-yard performance against the Bills Youth Antonio Morrison Jersey , which also featured his first touchdown of the year. Already, he has moved ahead of Ty Montgomery in rushing yards on the year. At some point over the next week or so, Jones should eclipse Jamaal Williams as well.Since he entered the league, pass blocking has proven to be the biggest obstacle standing between Jones and a larger role. He finished third among the Packers’ running backs in snaps during Week 3, and he remained in a timeshare with Williams and Montgomery seven days later despite far superior production.However, the existing split could change in the near future. Against Buffalo, Jones showcased improved pass protection and willingness to take on difficult blocking assignments. The best demonstration came on third-and-1 with 8:26 remaining in regulation. With Rodgers’ back turned to the defense during a play fake, the second-year running back came up and de-cleated defensive end Trent Murphy, ensuring the necessary time for the play to develop. Such a “wow” moment would have seemed inconceivable a year ago, but Jones appears to have made a concerted effort to develop that part of his game.Blocks like that could encourage the coaches to increase Jones playing time in the future. He might never reach Williams’ proficiency as a pass protector, but Jones only needs to earn the trust of Rodgers and the staff to further tilt the backfield rotation in his favor.Aaron Rodgers’ wheels returnFrom the moment Rodgers returned from his Week 1 knee injury, it became evident that he lacked the mobility to extend plays and punish defenses with his legs. Though Rodgers did scramble at times against the Minnesota Vikings and Washington over the past two weeks, such plays made up a smaller percentage of his plays than usual.Though Rodgers’ knee probably remains significantly below 100 percent healthy, he looked more comfortable and mobile against the Bills Sunday than at any time since the injury. The veteran quarterback scrambled five times for 31 yards, including a 15-yard sideline scamper that set up a field goal just before halftime. Just as importantly, Rodgers looked fluid and comfortable moving around in the pocket, working outside the play design when necessary.Those developments, combined with the fact Rodgers’ practice workload increased this past week, suggest that the most dangerous version of the Packers’ quarterback could return soon barring a setback. The next two weeks feature matchups with the Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49ers, two teams with middling-at-best pass rushes Kentrell Brice Jersey , followed by Green Bay’s bye. If Rodgers can safely navigate that stretch, he could look fully recovered in time for the all-important Week 8 tilt with the currently undefeated Los Angeles Rams. With a new head coach in their employ, the Green Bay Packers will be able to get a head start on the 2019 NFL season relative to most other teams in the league. The NFL’s collective bargaining agreement stipulates that teams with new head coaches get to begin their offseason workout programs on April 1st, two weeks earlier than other teams.In those two weeks, the team will be able to begin teaching and installing a new scheme on offense, which will be the first time that quarterback Aaron Rodgers has to start fresh since the team hired Mike McCarthy in 2006, his second season as a pro. The Packers are also eligible to hold a non-mandatory veteran minicamp sometime in April, which should give Rodgers and his receivers an early chance to start learning the offense on the field instead of just in the classroom.With all this in mind, it appears to be a good thing that Rodgers’ injured knee did not need surgery. He spoke to the media about it and says he feels good, and on his current rehab schedule he should not have to miss any portion of the program. That’s good news for Rodgers and great news for the Packers overall.Packers QB Aaron Rodgers avoids surgery on left knee | ESPNRodgers' first meeting with the media following the season came in conjunction with the NFL Honors, thanks to his concussion in week 17. This is great news with a new offense being installed under Matt LaFleur.Jake Kumerow just kept believing | Packers.comAfter playing in scout teams for three years, Kumerow felt he could play against starting NFL corners, and he should have another solid chance to earn legitimate playing time in 2019.Packers must improve in close games in 2019 | Packers WireThe Packers' 3-6-1 record in games decided by eight points or less isn't necessarily a big enough span to suggest that they will have a huge rebound this fall, but it does point to some bad luck at the end of games and that the team was at least a bit better than their final record showed.13 way-too-early predictions about the 2019 NFL season - SBNation.comThere are no Packers predictions on this list - they weren't good enough to be considered as a Super Bowl contender in 2019, but not bad enough to be considered a surprising rebound candidate.Falcons releasing Robert Alford after six seasons - NFL.comSalary cap casualties are finally here, and the Falcons are getting started by releasing Alford, a six-year veteran. They'll save almost $8 million in cap space with this move, while Alford gets a chance to find a new home.30 parents 'brawl' at kids hockey game in Simcoe: OPP | CBC NewsThis is probably the most Canadian headline you'll see this week.