It’s going to be a long couple of weeks (unless we make several exciting trades over the next couple days). The Packers shot themselves in the feet so many times they were shooting themselves in the knee by the end of the game this weekend. We’re back with Packers positives to keep you off the ledge during the bye week.
• You could argue that the Packers outplayed the Lions in this one, it would be stupid, but you could do it. The Packers outgained the Lions by 150 yards. Crucial mistakes with penalties and drops on key third downs and in the red zone (and another Will Levis like turribul pick six from Jordan Love) were the difference. It’s the second week in a row where the Lions won going away despite because massively outgained. It’s nice to have a happy-go-lucky coaching staff and all young players, but sometimes you need discipline above all else.
• Jordan Love left a lot to be desired in this game (albeit in a monsoon) and the only thing you really have to be positive about is that there is plenty there if the Packers could just take it. They missed on a few touchdowns today and even more third downs. It isn’t because the receivers aren’t getting separation, Love isn’t missing a ton of passes, and he doesn’t make bad decisions every play. They just need to make it happen more often. The opportunities are there.
• Before the game script took the ball away from Josh Jacobs he, again, looked like a top five back in the league. He makes elite cuts while he is also able to drag two guys for five yards. The best version of this offense is on Jacobs’ and Jayden Reed’s backs with some play action shot plays thrown in.
• It didn’t seem like it in the moment, especially in the first half, but the defense had one of its best games of the season. Two of the defense’s three best players were out injured and they still held the best offense in the NFL to 17 points and 261 yards. They didn’t get a ton of pressure on Goff, which is to be expected, but they did in some big moments and forced a few bad passes. I think this defense has a ton of potential and I hope Gute makes a move or two this week to help them reach it.
Mike Price is a lifelong Packers fan currently living in Utah. You can follow him on twitter at @themikeprice.
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