An offensive explosion which seems imminent whenever the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions meet didn’t happen. What did happen was a back-and-forth game dictated by turnovers.
The Packers (7-3) Aaron Rodgers wasn’t perfect, but his throws were on the money when they counted as he led his team to a fourth-quarter, 24-20 comeback win.
What It Means: Green Bay is hot on the heels of the Chicago Bears who will soon be feeling the pressure if they can’t find their offense. If the Bears are to lose against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football, the Packers will technically jump them in the standings because of their better division record. Head Coach Mike McCarthy has to be ecstatic with the performance he received from the defense. To be without their best player in linebacker Clay Matthews and still record five sacks shows the kind of depth this team has. Rookie corner Casey Hayward also recorded his fifth interception and MD Jennings returned an interception 72 yards to the house in the third quarter.
Player of the Game: TE Jermichael Finley (3 catches for 66 yards and a TD)
This could have easily went to Randall Cobb who caught nice passes and the game-winning touchdown, but Finley was the one who had a huge 40 yard reception which set up the score. Finley had three targets on the day and three catches, it’s been some time since Finley has caught every ball which went his way.
Highlight of the Game: Jennings’ interception return for a touchdown was the best play of the day. It was a pass the Lions’ Matthew Stafford threw behind tight end Tony Scheffler which tipped up in the air and was grabbed by Jennings who used his blocks and ran 72 yards down the field. It was nice to see Jennings record his first-ever interception after having one taken away in Seattle.
Stat of the Game (6/13): Packers’ field-goal kicker, Mason Crosby, is 6-for-13 since week four. He missed two kicks (technically three because of Detroit icing the kicker) before making a 39 yard field goal at the end of the game. I’m not sure the Packers cut him this week, but he’s on a very short leash.
What’s Next: Green Bay gets their first shot at the team who ousted them in the playoffs on their home-field last season. The New York Giants (6-4) are coming off a bye week and their worst loss of the season, a 31-13 drubbing by the Cincinnati Bengals. New York’s defensive front has struggled of late, but can get right back on track against a Packers offensive front that’s not very good. The Packers will need all the offensive power they can get, so expect Rodgers to be on top of his game.
What did you think of the Packers close win over the Lions? Let me know by commenting below.
Nick Grays is a senior writer at the Sports Bank where he covers the Wisconsin Badgers and Green Bay Packers. He also enjoys to share Fantasy Advice and pretend to be a Golf expert from time-to-time. Follow him on Twitter by clicking here or visit his blog Nick Knows Best. If social media is not your thing, shoot him an email at grays@uwalumni.com.
Pictures obtained from Packers.com.