On Offense
It wasn't hard for Aaron Rodgers and the increasingly healthy Packers offense to find a rhythm. While returning linemen David Bakhtiari and Josh Myers played a limited number of first-half snaps, they afforded Rodgers 4-plus seconds to throw on most downs while in the game. Behind such phenomenal protection, Rodgers was able to regularly connect with his two top targets Davante Adams and Allen Lazard for 130 of his 138 total passing yards in just less than a half.
With Rodgers' day done early, the second half was all Jordan Love's. True to his pre-game guidance, Matt LaFleur's play calling was decidedly focused on winning the game instead of getting a deeper read on how well Love has progressed in just under two seasons. The running game was, rather predictably, emphasized and most passes were out routes designed to scheme open a receiver or other high-percentage throws outside the dashes and away from trouble.
While Love was mostly on-the-mark on calculated, short-range throws, he continued to look frantic when pressured and during the game's two final drives that presented him with the chance of playing hero. It's clear that Love would benefit from another season learning behind Rodgers but the Packers, unfortunately, no longer have time on their side. If Rodgers is even open to returning to Green Bay, GM Brian Gutekunst and the front office will have to make a decision to double down on an unproven youngster - or to unwind the Jordan Love experiment.
On Defense
For yet another week, the Packers' pass defense struggled, allowing nearly 200 yards through the air to Detroit in the first half and 305 over the course of the game. Trick plays and rookie Amon-Ra St. Brown torched a Packers' defense that has desperately missed Jaire Alexander and Za'Darius Smith for most of the regular season. The lone spotlight was defensive tackle Dean Lowry, who's making a strong case for remaining in Green Bay next year.
While many reserves saw action as early as the second quarter, safety Darnell Savage played most of the game. The third-year player hasn't exactly trended in the right direction since turning in an impressive performance in Kansas City during Week 9.
It's fair to be up in arms about the defense's performance in Detroit. Lack of fundamentals and discipline have been mounting for over a month now. But, one must remember that defensive coordinator Joe Barry likely kept things extra vanilla this week in order to preserve more creative scheming for the postseason.
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