Green Bay Packers v. Lions: 7 Big Questions for Week 2 Matchup
By Paul Bretl
Can the Green Bay Packers CBs not play off-coverage?
This was one of the bigger points of frustration when it came to Mike Pettine’s defense. On third and five, for example, you’d see the Green Bay cornerbacks lining up 7-8 yards off of their receivers. On second and 10, again, for example, we would too often see the Packers playing soft, which allowed for easy completions that turned into manageable third downs.
LaFleur has even talked about how he wants to see the cornerbacks playing closer to the line of scrimmage to be more aggressive–yet even with a new defensive coordinator playing a defensive scheme that LaFleur handpicked, we still saw a lot of off-coverage against New Orleans–and it’s as frustrating as ever.
My hope, and maybe I’m being naive, is that this changes, but that remains to be seen. Fingers crossed that this is the week it at least improves because Green Bay should not be concerned whatsoever by these Lions’ receivers.
Will the Green Bay Packers be able to pressure Jared Goff?
The Green Bay Packers went from 338 total pressures in 2019, according to PFF ($$), to only 251 in 2020–and 2021 hasn’t gotten off to the best start either. Against New Orleans, the Packers would total only nine pressures, with Rashan Gary and Kenny Clark accounting for seven of them, and Jameis Winston having plenty of time in the pocket to go through his reads.
This week, however, they’ll be up against a Detroit offensive line that allowed 28 pressures against San Francisco. Guard Jonah Jackson accounted for nine of them, while tackles Penei Sewell and Matt Nelson each had six, and guard Halapoulivaati Vaitai had five.
The Packers’ defensive front has the opportunity to leave their mark on this game; let’s see if they’re able to do so.