It wasn’t entirely pretty, but the Green Bay Packers got what they needed from the Detroit Lions. They got a 34-27 win where their offense actually looked like they knew what they were doing at times.
There’s still plenty of work for the Packers to do, though. That starts with getting healthy, which the bye week provides an opportunity to do.
We’re not going to get over excited about one good game from Aaron Rodgers, but it now looks like the secondary may be the Packers’ biggest issue.
Let’s get on with it.
It’s Apparently Not Randall Time
Outside of the amazing interception/strip in the first half, Damarious Randall should be embarrassed of himself. Two weeks in a row, the Packers’ de facto No. 1 cornerback has played awful. In Minnesota, Randall was exposed by Stefon Diggs. Against Detroit, he was exposed by Marvin Jones, who turned in six catches for 205 yards and two touchdowns. Opposing offenses take note (we’re sure they already have). If you need a big play in the passing game, just find Damarious Randall on the field and throw at him.
Nick Perry in Beast Mode
Wow is really all I can say. Nick Perry dominated the Lions on Sunday. More impressive, he did it with Clay Matthews and Datone Jones sidelined. Seven tackles and two sacks was Perry’s line. He’s always been good against the run and nothing has changed there, but Perry has become a playmaker. He was in Matthew Stafford’s face all game long. If Perry stays healthy and continues to play like this, he’s going to land himself that handsome new contract he clearly wants.
Is Jordy Back?
Well, it’s one game, but I certainly noticed something from Jordy Nelson that I hadn’t seen yet this season. He actually blew by a guy and created some separation. That’s how Jordy made his money, but the speed hadn’t really shown up yet this season. It did on Sunday and it was reflected in Nelson’s stat line: six catches in seven targets, 101 yards and two touchdowns. That was probably a welcome sight for Aaron Rodgers, who not coincidentally had his best game since early in the 2015 season.
Holy Hell, Buffoon!
So the Green Bay Packers can indeed operate with more than three receivers on the field or in the rotation. Who would have thunk that?! For the first time this season, the Packers actually gave some receivers not named Nelson, Cobb or Adams some real playing time. Both Trevor Davis and Ty Montgomery got their most significant action to date. It didn’t show up in the box score, but the offense had its best game of the season and clearly mixing things up helped. Davis drew a 66-yard pass interference penalty that led to a score. The Packers need more of this on offense.
Welcome Back, Eddie
Through the first two games of the season, Eddie Lacy may as well of had his face on a milk carton. Sure, he was out there, but Buffoon refused to run him. That finally changed in week 3, when Lacy got a season-high 17 carries and ran for 103 yards. Lacy’s second-half performance allowed the Packers to hold off the Lions’ fast and furious comeback.