The Green Bay Packers did not show up in Sunday’s loss to their division rival the Detroit Lions. Aaron Rodgers and Eddie Lacy were supposed to dominate with a high octane offense. The ugly 19-7 loss in Detroit drops the Pack to the bottom of the NFC North at (1-2).
Meanwhile, the Lions sit on top of the division at (2-1).
The worst thing to happen after a loss is having no idea of how to fix it.
Aaron Rodgers led the Pack to just seven points, only the second time in his career scoring less than ten points in a game. He couldn’t find a rhythm only completing 16 of 27 for 162 yards and the lone score. They’re just out of sync: either nobody’s open, nobody’s blocking, or nobody’s talking; maybe all of the above.
We can understand rookie receiver Davante Adams running a wrong route when Aaron throws him a quick hitter for the one-on-one but skips off the turf. But watching Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb run an “X” with neither looking for the ball is unsettling.
One clear problem that needs fixing is simply holding onto the ball. Their time of possession totaled just 21 minutes; less than half the game.
Obviously, it’s hard to score with the offense on the bench. But for some reason, Coach Mike McCarthy can’t spark his team to a good start in three straight weeks.
Don Carey picks up the fumble and takes it to the house for the Lions' early lead.The Super Bowl champs ran the ball down their throat in the opener. Rookie center Corey Linsley botched the snap on the first play of the game last week giving the Jets first and goal. And Eddie Lacy fumbled on his first carry for a Lions’ scoop and score.
It’s starting to seem as if Green Bay got lucky against the Jets; earning their only win so far on a phantom timeout disallowing a tying touchdown.
Regardless, it’s a long season and Green Bay’s defense showed a few bright spots. Ironically, they held the Lions’ gunslinger Matthew Stafford and his offense to just 10 points. Rookie safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix showed he has two hands catching his first interception. Davon House made an impressive over the shoulder pick guarding “Megatron” Calvin Johnson in the endzone.
DeAndre Levy and other Lions pounce on Eddie Lacy for the safety.But of course, there’s a catch. Turnovers only count when teams take advantage. Granted, the refs backed up the Packers down on their own one yard line. But it was Ndamukong Suh, Nick Fairley and the big boys taking advantage of a pick that felt like a punt. The Lions pushed the pocket and DeAndre Levy wrapped up Eddie Lacy for a safety.
That’s the second safety allowed in three games.
There’s a lot to do in Green Bay and they better learn quick. The Packers face their other division foes back to back (at the Chicago Bears and home to the Minnesota Vikings). Aaron Rodgers and the offense need a wake-up call, ASAP!