Key Battles, Week 17 Edition: Green Bay at Detroit

The final game of the season feels like an ellipsis of things to come rather than an exclamation point. 

Davante Adams’ four-year, $58 million extension on Friday was a ray of sunshine through what’s otherwise been a dark time for the Packers this December. And though a final game looms—Sunday’s road tilt against Detroit—most fans are already in next-season mode. 
 
A win would prevent Green Bay from slipping below .500 for the first time since 2008, which coincidentally was the last time the team missed the playoffs. But a win seems unlikely given the fact that so many of the Packers’ top players are sidelined with injuries. The likely outcome, a loss, could actually be better for the Packers in the long term because of a higher draft pick. Anti-climactic as it may be, Sunday’s game will serve as an ellipsis to the season rather than an exclamation point. 
 
Here are the key battles for Sunday: 
 

Talent evaluation makes for tryout feel

It’s going to feel a bit like preseason. With Davante Adams, Jordy Nelson, Nick Perry, Jahri Evans and Aaron Jones all out and a few others listed as questionable, the casual Packers fan might have trouble tracking the depth chart. The hardcore Green Bay followers, though, are excited to see what the youngsters can do, giving Sunday’s contest a distinctly preseason feel. 
 
Players to watch include outside linebacker Reggie Gilbert, who flashed pass rushing ability against the Vikings last week. Gilbert was called up from the practice squad to the 53-man roster on Dec. 22 and has made the most of limited opportunities so far. Meanwhile, 6-foot-6 wide receiver Michael Clark—referred to by teammates as possessing Mike Evans-like skills—continues to intrigue. Clark is surprisingly spritely for a receiver his size, and with Adams and Nelson out and Geronimo Allison questionable, Clark should have plenty of opportunities this weekend. Cornerback Lenzy Pipkins is another player to watch, and could make gains in the season’s final week to warrant a larger role come next season. 
 

Nothing to lose could benefit Hundley

Backup quarterback Brett Hundley has been at his best this season under two circumstances: In the fourth quarter, which is definitely to his credit; and, when the Packers open things up, give him quick reads and let him use his legs. Against the Lions, without Jones to complement Jamaal Williams in the backfield, it might be harder to establish the run game. This is exactly why Mike McCarthy should employ more read option looks for Hundley.
 
Though the sample size is still small, there’s been little to indicate that a Hundley-led offense can survive trying to thread the ball downfield or throw it 40 times a game. If Hundley is to have a future in the league, even as a backup—and evidence would suggest that McCarthy, an avid supporter of Hundley, wants to see him succeed—then they need to play to his strengths. Let him run it. Spread five receivers wide. Use play action. There’s no reason to be coy in the finale.  
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Comments (16)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
Doug Niemczynski's picture

December 30, 2017 at 11:20 am

Hope Michael Clark has a good game.

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ShanghaiKid's picture

December 30, 2017 at 12:56 pm

Have no idea why you you would get a vote down for this, Packers fans should be hoping he develops into a monster.

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Bearmeat's picture

December 30, 2017 at 01:30 pm

There's been a salty phantom voter around for years

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rdent's picture

December 30, 2017 at 02:15 pm

Yep, I beleive we all have been tagged with an unwarranted Dislike by the Salty Phantom.

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Gianich's picture

December 30, 2017 at 11:53 pm

"6-foot-6 wide receiver Michael Clark—referred to by teammates as possessing Mike Evans-like skills." The Dude had 3 catches for 39 yards and two really bad drops on good throws that were at big times in the game. When they say Evans talent they must mean being able to disappear for weeks at a time... Intriguing yes but I'd rather have hard nosed, assignment sure and versatile, with the pedigree Max McCathfrey rather than another Janis like project with size and "potential."

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Spock's picture

December 30, 2017 at 11:20 am

Packers just announced they have extended Linsley! The New Year is looking better already!

http://www.packers.com/news-and-events/article-daily-news-story/article-...

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NickPerry's picture

December 30, 2017 at 12:55 pm

This is a smart move by Thompson. This signing allows him to put some of the signing bonus from Lindseys new contract on this years cap.

Edit... Just looked at one "Mock Draft" which had the Packers draft at 14th. I hate losing but at this point if losing to the Lions missing ALL those players means I'll have a higher draft spot then I'm all for it. Thompson has signed Lindsey and Adams NOW to help spread the signing bonus over the remaining cap from this year (If I'm understanding how it works). I have a feeling we'll be seeing a ton of changes, restructures, and cuts to some players we've watched for years. Or to use the old expression..."We're just getting started".

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Bearmeat's picture

December 30, 2017 at 04:57 pm

Come on NP. Don't fool youseelf and get your hopes up again. We won't be seeing a ton of changes unless TT retires or is forcibly removed. Which won't happen. I expect little to no participation in free agency. I expect a defensive heavy draft.

The only change we might see, and I'd put this at 50/50, is a new defensive coaching staff. While I think tt and mm should be fired, I'm a realist too. So, a new DC is all I'm hoping for.

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rdent's picture

December 30, 2017 at 02:37 pm

If GB is going to do anything I hope it will involve replacing Capers. After this season would be a good time for Green Bay, armed with 12 draft picks, to bring in a new DC and go shopping.

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rdent's picture

December 30, 2017 at 05:56 pm

Nick, it was a good move to sign Adams before the season ends. Now lets hope Ted uses some of that cap $ next year on some FA's, keep going all in for AR.

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stockholder's picture

December 30, 2017 at 04:13 pm

This one was a good signing. Well EARNED!

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Gianich's picture

December 30, 2017 at 11:55 pm

I think Linsley was the ONLY fully healthy Packer all year in 2017....Specialists don't count....even lost 2 long snappers for cripes sakes..

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Bearmeat's picture

December 30, 2017 at 01:36 pm

For the first time in my life, I am hoping for a Packers loss. I don't care about the matchups other than seeing a few young guys play.

Keep er movin. On to 2018.

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rdent's picture

December 30, 2017 at 02:58 pm

These last 2 games have been much like preseason games. Like you mentioned most fans have also been in evaluation mode. Win or lose, I will still enjoy this last game, keeping an eye on the young players that get one more game to give us something to look forward to next year. I will say this it has been a long time since GB has missed the PO, after tomorrow no more Packer Football until August of 2018. It's going to be a longer than usual offseason.

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4zone's picture

December 30, 2017 at 06:10 pm

TT ain't wasting no time. Two contracts in one day.

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4zone's picture

December 30, 2017 at 06:13 pm

Maybe that was why he looked so lost last game.

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