Packers are now 3-0

The Denver Broncos kept it within striking distance all game Sunday but it was the Green Bay Packers’ defense, specifically regarding their capacity to take the ball away, that provided the ultimate difference.

The Packers came away with the 27-16 victory at home, covering the 7.5-point spread in the process, but the Broncos were right there statistically until the Packers imposed their

will. Denver owned the time-of-possession battle at just over 35 minutes. They also converted 20 first downs to the Packers’ 16 (including a 53 percent conversation rate on third downs). But it wasn’t enough, for the Packers were able to eliminate several scoring drives by stealing the football at opportune moments.

Altogether, the Packers created three turnovers and did not surrender any.

Like clockwork, Aaron Rodgers took care of the football. It was a different story for Denver, who finished the game with two fumbles and one interception.

The first turnover came by way of Preston Smith. With the game notched at 10-10, Smith came around the edge to strip-sack Joe Flacco in the second quarter. Rookie outside linebacker Rashan Gary would recover the ball. It took two plays before the Packers’ offense would respond with a touchdown.

In the opening drive of the second half, Jaire Alexander pick-pocketed rookie tight end Noah Fant in the process of a tackle. The offense took advantage of the field position, running four plays and adding another touchdown.

Up 24-16 with Denver driving, rookie safety Darnell Savage capitalized on an off-target pass by Flacco to thoroughly reset the momentum in Green Bay’s favor. It would be the Packers’ third and final takeaway.

The Broncos put up 310 total yards of offense, including a 53 percent conversation rate on third down (they had been at 33 percent in Weeks 1 and 2), but the Packers’ opportunistic defense nullified several threats.

Defense coordinator Mike Pettine emphasized turnovers during training camp, and it looks like the work is paying off. The Packers entered Week 3 tied for first in the league with five takeaways, and they’ve since added three more without giving up the ball. Should this streak continue, the Packers will be a tough out provided the offense finds some consistency.