Packers’ second-best receiver in 2016 is defensive pass interference?

The Green Bay Packers’ second-best receiver to start the 2016 season is actually a yellow flag.

According to Greg Bedard of Sports Illustrated, the Packers have gained a league-high 177 yards on defensive pass interference (DPI) penalties this season, which makes the penalty Green Bay’s second-best source of passing yards behind Jordy Nelson (209 receiving yards).

“There have been three DPI penalties of over 40 yards this season, and six of at least 28 yards—and the Packers have benefited from four of them, including a 66-yard penalty called against Lions CB Nevin Lawson while covering Packers WR Trevor Davis in Week 3,” Bedard wrote.

Overall, the Packers have 757 net passing yards from completions and penalties in 2016, with the 177 penalty yards representing almost a quarter of the team’s total.

Two huge DPI penalties have gifted Green Bay touchdowns through the first three weeks. In Week 2, Davante Adams drew a DPI penalty on Vikings cornerback Terence Newman in the end zone. A few plays later, Aaron Rodgers hit Nelson for a short touchdown. Last week, Lawson’s DPI penalty in the end zone set up another short touchdown pass from Rodgers.

The Packers also received a 30-yard DPI penalty against the Jaguars in Week 1, which eventually led to a touchdown before the half. Vikings cornerbacks were called for three DPIs in Week 2.

As a spot-foul infraction, DPI can be a game-changing play. According to Bedard, the NFL is on pace for over 5,000 yards in DPI penalties this season. The Packers are taking full advantage, but they clearly aren’t the only team benefitting from the play.

About Zach Kruse

Zach is the associate editor at The Sports Daily. He also covers the NFL for Bleacher Report and CheeseheadTV.

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