Packers Must Capitalize On Interception Chances Starting With the Vikings Game

It's not an exaggeration to suggest Jameis Winston should've had five interceptions against the Green Bay Packers. Instead, he ended up with one.

Takeaways haven't been a strength for Green Bay's defense this year, even though they've opportunities. On Sunday, the Packers need to capitalize on those chances against a struggling J.J. McCarthy.

Head coach Matt LaFleur said Monday he counted five golden opportunities for the Packers to come up with interceptions of Winston in Week 11.

Two of those came in the direction of cornerback Carrington Valentine during the first quarter. Winston also threw passes right into Javon Bullard and Keisean Nixon's bread baskets. Yet it was safety Evan Williams who essentially sealed the game late when he hauled in a pass from Winston after miscommunication between the QB and his wide receiver.

McCarthy has eight interceptions in five games this year. Three of those five contests have been multi-interceptions day for the first-year starter. The Michigan product hasn't been afraid to let the pill fly, which has contributed to his interception total. Another area of concern is his accuracy.

Out of 35 qualifying quarterbacks, McCarthy is 35th this season in adjusted completion percentage and 35th in catchable throw rate, per Fantasy Points Data.

Justin Jefferson has a strong case for being the best wide receiver in football. It's hard to throw it in his direction in any one-on-one looks and not feel good about your chances. The problem is that McCarthy has been inaccurate to a degree that even exceeds Jefferson's catch radius. That was evident on a simple out route in the second half against Chicago. On a third-and-seven, McCarthy sailed a pass intended for Jefferson far out of his reach, bringing out boos from the U.S. Bank Stadium faithful.

It's not just putting the pigskin in harm's way that's caused problems for McCarthy. He's also been inaccurate and indecisive. The Packers need to be ready to pounce.

For now -- as they should be doing -- Kevin O'Connell and the Vikings are sticking with McCarthy. Per O’Connell:

He'll now be facing a Packers defense that prides itself on two philosophies: Get to the quarterback, rushing four, and don't give up big chunk plays.

Jeff Hafley's unit is first in the NFL in fewest 10-yard plays allowed and first in fewest 20-yard plays allowed. Will McCarthy be able to show the restraint and urge to chuck it downfield and instead dink-and-dunk his way on longer drives?

Winston was able to accept that reality for the most part against Green Bay.

In the second half, the Giants had a 16-play, 56-yard drive that drained nearly 10 minutes off the clock. On their very next drive, Winston and New York orchestrated a 15-play, 85-yard drive that resulted in a touchdown and bled another eight minutes off the clock. Winston showed patience and took what Green Bay's defense was willing to give. There's valid doubt as to whether McCarthy can and will do the same.

McCarthy is first in the NFL in turnover-worthy-throw rate. For now, O'Connell is accepting that there will be growing pains, and if you look around the league, who has brought more out of quarterbacks that others have given up on in recent seasons than O'Connell?

This weekend will present Green Bay with an opponent who hasn't solved the interception riddle and struggles in general with accuracy. It’s the perfect opportunity for the Packers to start fully capitalizing on the opposing offense’s miscues and hauling in some interceptions.