Allen Lazard in the running game, other Packers to watch vs Lions in Week 2
Allen Lazard is flexing his muscles in the running game and stepping up on the lines ahead of the Green Bay Packers’ Week 2 matchup vs the Detroit Lions.
The Green Bay Packers look to keep head Matt LaFleur’s divisional record perfect when they take on the Detroit Lions in Week 2. In one-plus years under LaFleur, Green Bay has yet to lose a divisional game (knock on wood), going 6-0 last year and already starting 2020 1-0.
The Packers didn’t hold the lead at all against Detroit in regulation last year, but ended up winning both games on last-second Mason Crosby field goals. Hopefully, they can still win the game, but clean up their play throughout the contest. Before Sunday hits, let’s take a look at three players or positions that will be in the spotlight.
Packers’ offensive line
It was confirmed earlier in the week that Lane Taylor has been lost for the season, meaning Green Bay will be without one of their most impressive linemen from training camp. The good news is Billy Turner looks poised to return, as Elgton Jenkins and Lucas Patrick also participated in practice on Thursday. If that’s the case, LaFleur will have a few decisions to make about the placements of players. Jenkins played phenomenally at right tackle and could be their long-term solution. Will the Packers keep him out there or move him back to left guard, slide Patrick to right guard and start Turner at right tackle? Decisions, decisions, decisions.
Allen Lazard in the run game
It’s clear LaFleur’s gameplan in Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings was to get the ball in the hands of his playmakers early and often, whether that be Aaron Jones, Tyler Ervin or even Allen Lazard. However, when Lazard didn’t have the ball in his hands he played a crucial role in blocking for his teammates.
At 6-foot-5 and 227 pounds, he’s the most imposing player on the Packers’ roster. And it’s safe to say he doesn’t back down from the physicality of the game. Green Bay began to realize his usefulness in the running game a season ago and his blocking-ability was on full display in Week 1. Andy Herman of Pack-A-Day podcast compared him to the great Hines Ward when it comes to blocking in the running game while LaFleur himself called Lazard Green Bay’s “enforcer.” Allow your eyes to wander to Lazard during a running play or two in Sunday’s contest and you’ll like what you see.
Next. Packers vs Lions: Getting to know opponent. dark
Defensive line sans Kenny Clark
Speaking of more injury news, Kenny Clark is trending toward out against the Lions. He went down with a groin injury in Week 1 and missed half the game. Although the injury doesn’t appear to be long-term, it looks like he’ll at least miss this week, as he has yet to practice. If that’s the case, Green Bay will be hard-pressed to stop the ageless Adrian Peterson and the Lions’ running game. Kingsley Keke, Dean Lowry and Tyler Lancaster looked less than impressive in Week 1 and 2019’s run-stopping woes are still clearly an issue.