Week 2 Recap: Packers vs Lions

This past week, the Packers returned home to Lambeau Field for their home opener for some Monday Night Football action! The green and gold were set to face off against the Detroit Lions, a longtime division foe. Even though it was only Week 2 of the season, many members of the Packers, media members, as well as fans considered this game a must-win, especially since they had a horrendous season debut in Week 1 against the New Orleans Saints. Both teams came into the game with a loss each under their belts. That is not as much of a surprise for Detroit, considering that they are in the basement of the NFC North Division year after year. However, in Packer nation, a sudden loss, such as the one last week can send the fanbase into panic mode instantly. Aaron Rodgers and crew had a lot of ground to make up to establish themselves and prove that they are going to hold on to the “Kings of the North” title yet again.

As the game started, the Packers still looked very shaky right out of the gate. The Green Bay defense gave up a touchdown to the Lions on the first drive of the game. It looked real concerning because Detroit was controlling their possession very well, keeping the ball for about the first 4:24 of the game. The Lions were led by quarterback, Jared Goff, who they acquired over this past offseason and previously had some recent success with the Los Angeles Rams, leading them to a Super Bowl appearance just three years ago. Not only did Detroit switch it up at the quarterback position, but they added to the running game as well with the addition of the now former Packer, Jamaal Williams for more depth and power in the backfield. The Lions also have a very underrated running back in D’Andre Swift, who helped carry their offense throughout the game. For the first drive, however, the Detroit touchdown was scored by the former Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver, Quintez Cephus.

Side Note: as disappointed as I was to see the Packers have a slow start, I was happy to see Cephus get in the end zone and have some success in the NFL, especially after how his last couple of years turned out while spending time here in Madison. The rest of that is a different story, but I wish him the best of luck now.

Anyway, once the Packers finally got the ball, the green and gold got the ball, they started to look like the Packer offense that we all know and love! Once Aaron Rodgers stepped on to Lambeau for the first time this season, he had the intention of taking control of the moment and did not miss. With one of his biggest weapons, Rodgers kept drawing up plays with Aaron Jones as they drove down the field and scored, eventually tying the game at 7. The Lions and Packers would go back and forth for most of the first half as it was a little bit of a scoring affair. By the half, the score was Detroit- 17, Green Bay- 14.

The Packers would receive the ball to start the second half and they seemed to never look back. As the second half got rolling, Rodgers and Packers Head Coach Matt LaFluer decided to mix up the gameplan and air the ball out more. Rodgers connected with Tight End, Robert Tonyan for a 22-yard touchdown reception, making the score 21-17 Packers. When that connection happened, many fans felt a little relieved, as Rodgers has been trying a lot harder lately to find other targets to throw to besides Davante Adams. Having to mainly throw to Adams has made the Packers offensive playbook a lot more predictable for various defenses to read, especially over the last couple of years.

The Packers got the ball back shortly after scoring, thanks to the defense and yet converted again. Once again, the ball was handed off to Aaron Jones and he did what he does best and took it to the house. He loves those “Lambeau Leaps” no doubt! The Packers would cushion their lead to a more comfortable score of 28-17.

Three quarters had gone by, and the Packers seemed to be in cruise control... But wait there is more! Aaron Jones was in beast mode and managed to run it in again, providing what would become the knockout punch, with the score becoming 35-17 Green Bay!

The Packer offense was great and all, but enough about them. There was not enough appreciation for the Packer defense as they managed to shut out the Lions offense for the entire second half. The Packer defense even forced three turnovers, two of which were fumble recoveries and one interception. Those were major momentum shifters as the Packers offense would quickly get back on the field each time and keep putting points on the board.

Monday night’s game was a huge booster as the Packers now look to try and defeat the San Franciso 49ers on the road. The 49ers are off to a good start this season, as they have won their first couple of games (2-0). They had a struggling year last year but look to be serious competitors again as they made it to the Super Bowl just two years ago. If Rodgers plays like his normal self and 49ers quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo shows his real potential, we are in for a real epic matchup. The Packers will have to stick with a similar game plan as to what they did against the Lions and mix up the plays.

Another side note: Mother nature really messed with us on Monday night, and I was not in for any of it. THAT FREAKING TORNADO... UGH!!! I missed watching at least one of the Packers’ scoring drives as I had to get my stuff together and head to the basement of my apartment. Part of my reception went out since I moved from one place to another. Being a lifelong Packer fan, like many others, I do not like distractions during the game. Hopefully, this is only a one-time thing this season. As irritating as that was, I am just going to stick with the positive. A Packers win means I was overall in a good mood!

Final Score: Packers- 35, Lions, 17