The Green Bay Packers are coming off a disappointing loss to division rivals Detroit Lions. It’s a second straight game where Green Bay was absolutely dominated in the first half and showed some fight in the second half. It leaves fans and those watching what Green Bay coaching is doing in the first half just to switch it up in the second half.
While it appeared that Green Bay didn’t have any standouts in this game at first, the second half definitely showed some players who stood out. Along with them are the players who appeared to contribute to their large first-half deficit.
Slay
Quay Walker
Packers LB Quay Walker (7) – Tork Mason/USA Today NETWORK
While some people may question this one, it’s honestly a no-brainer. People will critique Walker for his penalty in the fourth quarter that allowed Detroit to seal the game with a touchdown after he was penalized for jumping over the line to attempt to block the made field goal. While the penalty was a head-scratcher, Walker came to play, and his efforts were on display all game.
He racked up another career-high of 19 total tackles and was constantly showing effort despite the score. When the team looked dry, Walker was one of the few players to stand tall and display his effort and his will to make the tackle. Was he perfect? No, but he’s had a great start to the season, and this one play shouldn’t define the kind of game he had. The Green Bay Packers should be happy with his development thus far.
Romeo Doubs
Packers WR Romeo Doubs (87) – Evan Siegle/packers.com
While the offense looked like it was sputtering, Romeo Doubs was able to provide some spark for an offense that took a whole half to settle in. Doubs remained as Jordan Love’s main target despite the season debut of Christian Watson. While it wasn’t an insane game from Doubs, he had reliable hands and kept the offense afloat.
He finished the game with nine catches to go along with 95 receiving yards. He also had the second-highest PFF grade on the Green Bay Packers offense, coming in at 71.6. It’ll be interesting to watch the connection between Love and Doubs continue to grow.
Rashan Gary
Packers LB Rashan Gary (52) – Benny Sieu/USA TODAY Sports
Another player on defense who appeared to give his full effort at all times was Rashan Gary. This is typical of Gary, but when the defense was getting dominated, Gary continued to put pressure on the quarterback and show fire and emotion. He was rated as the Green Bay Packers’ highest defensive player on PFF with an 82.4 grade.
He accumulated four pressures on only 14 pass rushing snaps and also had a quarterback hit. Pressure is something Gary continues to provide for this Green Bay Packers defense, and has been one of the shining players on this team through the first four games.
Bomb
Offensive Line
Packers OL Zach Tom (50) – Tork Mason/USA Today NETWORK
It was not a pretty showing for this Green Bay Packers offensive line. They allowed five sacks, and the team ran for under 30 total rushing yards. In the first half, Jordan Love was taking a beating, and the offense spiraled as they couldn’t find a rhythm in any way. It was definitely one of the more disappointing showings for a Packers offensive line.
While injuries certainly haven’t helped the offensive line, they must do a better job at protecting Jordan Love and creating gaps for the running backs. The Lions defensive line dismantled them all game, and something needs to change before things get too out of hand.
Coaching
Packers HC Matt LaFleur – Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK
For a second straight week, the Green Bay Packers coaching makes their way on here. In the last two games, the Packers are getting outscored 45-3 in the first half. That is not good at all, and a lot of it has to do with playcalling. In the last two games, the Packers failed to have any rhythm and have had some questionable play calls. Against Detroit, where Aaron Jones returned from injury, they started the game with six straight passes and no runs.
The defense continues to get dominated in the run game and allows receivers to make easy catches, giving up too much space. Matt LaFleur and Joe Barry must get these things in check, as it continues to be a problem for the Green Bay Packers.
Run Defense
Packers LB Preston Smith (91) – Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK
The Lions ran straight through Green Bay’s defense courtesy of David Montgomery. They pounded it so much through the ground that Montgomery ran the ball 32 times for 121 yards and three touchdowns. The Green Bay Packers allowed over 200 yards total on the ground and were getting worn out.
It didn’t help that in the red zone against the Lions’ 11 personnel, Green Bay only had two linemen, which allowed them an easy score. Change needs to happen, or else other teams will continue to just run all over this Packers defense.
