Five Must-Haves for the Packers to Beat the Lions

Following a loss to the division rival Vikings, the Green Bay Packers will take a 1-1 record into their week three divisional match-up with the Detroit Lions. The game will also be the home opener for the Green & Gold. This game opens a critical early stretch of the schedule for the Pack who will play four consecutive home games sandwiched around their bye over the next five weeks.  The following items are keys for the Packers to go into their week four bye on a winning note:
 
Take care of the ball – The Packers were good with their ball security in week 1 but week two was a far different story. The Packers were changed with three turnovers (2 lost fumbles and an interception) and let’s be honest here – it could have been far worse as the Packers put the ball on the ground an eye popping five times. The fumbles and interceptions are turnovers. The other problem is that even the fumbles that were recovered cause problems in disrupted momentum and flow found in a successful drive. The turnovers have got to go.
 
Aaron being Aaron – Aaron Rodgers has set an almost unmatchable standard over the last several years. That level play of play is hard to maintain. But Rodgers has got to be much better for the Packers offense to get itself in gear. Rodgers has left the pocket at times early, he has missed open receivers and he was responsible for two key turnovers in the second half last week’s game. Rodgers is held to unreasonable standards in Packer land but they are standards he has created. Rodgers has not posted a passer rating of over 100 in his last 14 games (dating back to last year) and a second half passer rating of well under 100 in the second half’s he has played this season.  The time is now for Aaron to Aaron again on a turf that he has been excellent on in his career.
 
Establish and remain committed to the run – Eddie Lacy has been solid so far this season. Lacy had 50 yards on only 12 carries against the Vikings. Lacy is averaging a solid 4.3 yards per carry so far this season. Look for the Packers to feed their backfield work horse Sunday in order to take some pressure off Rodgers and the passing game. Look for Lacy to come close to doubling his week two work load.
 
Reestablish Explosiveness of offense – The Packer offense over the years under Rodgers has become known for explosive plays and at times quick big plays for massive yardage and or immediate points at a lightning pace. The offense has not exploded much at all this year as evidenced the fact that the Packers only averaged 4.1 yards per play and 4.4 yards per pass. In order for the collective offensive criticism to back off the Packers, who are facing the weakest defense of the three they have seen thus far, need a big play laced explosion from the offense in week three.
 
Reestablish home dominance – The Packers were just 5-3 at home last season. All three of those losses were to the fellow divisional competitors. The Lions win last season was their first in Green Bay in since 1991. The Packers need to reassert their dominance in the division against the Lions and other division competition. Restoring home divisional order is critical to the Packers reclaiming the division title at seasons end.
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Comments (3)

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al bundy's picture

September 24, 2016 at 08:58 pm

Disagree with the big pass idea. That aint working. How about establishing short passing game, slant plays, passes to running backs instead of hoping on a wing andaprayer to jordy.

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Phillthy's picture

September 24, 2016 at 10:56 pm

That was the philosophy that got us to the super bowl. Driver over the middle, Jennings on the cross and occasional out, same with Jordy. We should return to the fundamentals, especially if this team wants to talk about 'rhythm' so often.

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NMPF's picture

September 25, 2016 at 06:44 am

Totally agree Al, the west part of the west coast offense is almost completely gone. Swing, slants, combo routes that attack the defenses edges should in theory open up everything else.

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