When the Green Bay Packers signed veteran defensive tackle Ricky Jean Francois to a one-year deal on March 23, it appeared to be a solid but unflashy addition to bolster depth on the defensive line.
However, as the season inches closer, the possibility that Jean Francois will make considerable contributions in 2017 continues to grow.
The Packers boasted one of the league's top run defenses in the beginning of the 2016 NFL season, when they held their first four opponents to 50 or fewer yards gained on the ground. And now, as they prepare to face the Dallas Cowboys and Ezekiel Elliott, the unit will need to once again return to dominant form if Green Bay is to have any hope of defeating the Cowboys to move onto the NFC Championship Game.
It had to happen eventually. The Green Bay Packers' No. 1 run defense will finally take on the league's No. 1 rushing offense when the Packers host the Dallas Cowboys at Lambeau on Sunday.
By 6:30 p.m. Lambeau time that night, one of those teams may not be ranked first in its respective category any longer.
One of the most promising trends to emerge from the young 2016 season has been how stout the Packers have been against the run.
No one would have predicted it a few months ago, but through the first quarter of the season, it hasn't been the St. Louis Rams or the New York Jets but the Green Bay Packers who have boasted the NFL's strongest defensive front.
But do you realize just how good the Packers have been in run defense so far this season—or how consistent?
On today's show, Andy discusses the Packers' decision to sign Andre Dillard. Plus, scouting reports for all the offensive players the Packers have brought in for top 30 visits. Don't miss it!
