All the credit in the world needs to go to Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. He does such a fantastic job of play innovation, and he gives the Lions the best play at the time to create offense. Jared Goff only threw for 145 yards and one touchdown, but it felt like the Lions could do whatever they wanted against the Packers. Amon-Ra St. Brown had 7 receptions for 56 yards and a touchdown, but what’s even more impressive is that he had the seven receptions on 7 targets. That type of passing efficiency helps lead teams to Super Bowls. Goff has been there once, so he knows what it takes to get back.
David Montgomery
One of my favorite plays is using David Montgomery when the Lions are on the road. At home, the Lions are willing to open up their offense in the Dome where Jared Goff doesn’t have to worry about wind than they are on the road where they have to deal with the outside elements. On the road in Green Bay, Montgomery had 17 carries for 73 yards as well as 3 receptions for 23 yards. Although he didn’t find the end zone, he was able to make the critical yards when he needed them to keep drives going. Simply put, Detroit loves to run on the road, and Montgomery is the perfect player to take advantage of that.
Jordan Love
After his injury last week, it was a bit surprising to see Jordan Love practicing and getting the start against Detroit, as there was a lot of speculation that he would miss the game entirely due to his injured groin. Although he completed 23 passes for 273 yards, Love lacked the mobility to get out of the pocket and make plays that he needed to. To his credit, Love gutted out the performance and tried his best to keep the Packers in the game. However, with the groin injury and the slippery field, it felt like there was too much for Love to overcome.
Lack Of Big Plays
Christian Watson has all the talent in the world, and when Green Bay drafted him, they expected him to be their big-play receiver. However, against Detroit, he only had three receptions for 37 yards. Watson has dealt with numerous hamstring injuries in the past, but now that he is healthy, he’s not making the impact that’s needed. Wicks has failed to make big plays too. Watson and Wicks must be the downfield targets for Love to take the top off an opposing defense. If they don’t use Watson correctly, then they’re dinking and dunking down the field, and other teams safeties are playing up, and that’s causing Green Bay a lot of unnecessary issues. Unless Love can start finding Watson or Wicks on some bigger plays, don’t be surprised to see Green Bay continue to struggle.
