Green Bay Packers v. Detroit Lions: Instant Takeaways

As always, here are some instant takeaways from the Green Bay Packers’ Week 2 performance against the Detroit Lions.

It was a rough start for the Green Bay Packers, but being the better team, they cruised to another relatively easy win over the Detroit Lions and head into Week 3 at 2-0. The clock just hit zero, but as always, I have my instant takeaways from what we just saw.

• It was another slow start for the Packers’ defense. Through that entire first quarter, there was a lack of execution and absolutely no juice. However, they tightened up when they needed to.
• Matt Stafford and the Detroit offense came up with several big plays against the Packers in Week 6 of last year, but this time around, despite their issues, the Green Bay defense was able to contain Stafford for the most part.
• Excellent route by Robert Tonyan and great anticipation from Rodgers here on this TD.

• Jace Sternberger had the fewest snaps in Week 1 out of the Packer tight ends, and this week, he had two drops when targeted. Not a good way to see more playing time.
• Aaron Rodgers was sacked for the first time today, but overall, it was another fine showing by the Green Bay Packers’ offensive line.
• The execution wasn’t always there early on offense, but Matt LaFleur called another fantastic game.
• Davante Adams’ release is sooooooo good. My goodness.

• It didn’t end up making much of a difference, but once again, the Packer defense struggled against a tight end. T.J. Hockenson totaled 62 yards on four receptions.
• Last week we saw the Packers give up an inexcusable field goal before half to Minnesota, and they almost did it again this week. Fortunately, Matt Prater would miss.
• The score before half helped turn the tide of the game for Green Bay, and they were helped by three Detroit penalties. One stopped the clock as the Lions were going to punt, and the other two were of the 15-yard variety.
• Have a day, Aaron Jones!

• We still saw the ups and downs of Marquez Valdes-Scantling. He had some nice receptions – even if one didn’t count – but misplayed one in the end zone as well.
• Was anyone else nervous on that 3rd and 25 in the first half? Now, I say that half-jokingly, but at that point, the Packers hadn’t been able to stop Detroit.
• Aaron Rodgers has still got it. That is all.
• Rashan Gary led the team in pressures last week, and against Detroit, he logged his first sack of the season and helped force this interception.

• Speaking of Sullivan, it was great to see him make this play. He had some rough reps early on in the game.
• Injuries strike again. Davante Adams left the game with a hamstring injury and Corey Linsley with a hand injury. Let’s hope it was just precautionary.
• Believe it or not, it’s 2020, and Adrian Peterson is still ripping off big runs against the Green Bay Packers.
• While everyone had their concerns, this Packers offense looks excellent through the first two games. Back to back 40 point games.
• Once again, the Packers had a three-score lead, and we saw the defense take their foot off the gas. Play. Aggressive.