Everything you need to see and know from the Week 3 NFC North battle between the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions.
All the Green Bay Packers needed was a little bit of home cooking. They went 1-1 on the road through the first two weeks, but looked pretty bad in the process.
Aaron Rodgers simply did not have the offense going well, and their secondary was continually exploited through the air. Well, in their 34-27 victory over the Detroit Lions on Sunday, the Packers were able to get back on track.
Rodgers was brilliant on Sunday, tossing for 205 yards and four touchdowns. He got the Packers’ offense rolling through the air early. However, a huge majority of their production came in the first half. The Packers were less than impressive offensively in the second half, allowing the Lions to make a furious comeback.
Late in the first half, the Packers led this game by a score of 31-3. A less than stellar second half by the Packers’ offense and an explosive Lions’ offensive attack allowed Detroit to make this one much closer than once anticipated.
The Lions’ offense was able to move the ball against an under-manned Packers’ defense. The Packers completely shut down the Lions’ rushing attack (2.2 yards per carry average), but Matthew Stafford was able to continually move the ball through the air.
The Packers were without star pass rusher Clay Matthews and number one cornerback Sam Shields in this one and it showed. Stafford threw for 385 yards and three touchdowns on the afternoon, but came up just short in his comeback attempt.
Stafford and the Lions fought hard to make this a game, but Rodgers and company did enough in the first half to hold on for the victory.
Highlights
Three Stars
These are the three players who I expect to have the most impact in this game. These are just predictions.
Aaron Rodgers
Never ever doubt the ability of Aaron Rodgers. He is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, and he showed that he is still an elite player in this league. Rodgers started off hot in this game, but did not put up much production in the second half. That being said, he did more than enough to lead the Packers to victory.
Make no mistake about it; Rodgers is back and as good as ever.
Jordy Nelson
Rodgers’ favorite target on the afternoon was wide receiver Jordy Nelson, who finished with six receptions for 101 yards and two touchdowns. Rodgers looked for Nelson early and often in this game, and his number one receiver did not disappoint.
Nelson is a big-time deep threat who does an incredible job of stretching the defense. The Packers’ offense is best when Nelson is making plays down field, opening things up for everyone else. Nelson was on top of his game in this one.
Marvin Jones
Marvin Jones has been incredible for the Lions this season. He is clearly the number one option in this offense, consistently making plays in the short, intermediate and deep passing game. Jones is an incredible offensive weapon for the Lions and showed up in a massive way this week.
He finished this game with six receptions for 205 yards, including two big touchdown catches. Jones scored on a 73 yard touchdown late in the first half, and scored from 35 yards out to bring the Lions close late in the fourth quarter.
Next Week
In Week 4, the Lions will take on the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field, while the Packers will be on a bye. Green Bay will return to action in Week 5 on Sunday Night Football against the New York Giants.