Week 2 brought a change of pace and confidence for the Green Bay Packers. After an ugly 38-3 loss to the New Orleans Saints in Week 1, the Packers bounced back with a 35-17 win over the Detroit Lions.
Aaron Rodgers tore up the Lions defense, completing 22 passes on 27 attempts for 255 yards and four touchdowns. Aaron Jones had 115 total yards and four touchdowns, three of which came in the air. Davante Adams had a nice day as well, catching eight passes for 121 yards. In addition, Robert Tonyan caught a touchdown. On defense, De’Vondre Campbell picked off Lions Quarterback Jared Goff in the fourth quarter.
For the Lions, Goff completed 26 passes on 36 attempts for 246 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Goff led the team in rushing with 46 yards on four attempts, but he had two fumbles and lost one. T.J. Hockenson had a productive day, catching eight passes for 66 yards and a touchdown. Second year receiver Quintez Cephus was also productive, catching four passes for 63 yards and a touchdown.
The Lions had a 17-14 lead at halftime, but they failed to score in the second half. The Packers ended the game with 21 unanswered points.
This game was completely different from Week 1, Rodgers looked much more comfortable and was making impressive throws including his touchdown pass to Tonyan.
“I think there’s, even more now than when I started playing, there’s so many overreactions that happen on a week-to-week basis,” Rodgers said speaking about his critics in the post-game press conference. “So, it’s nice to come out and have a good performance and get the trolls off our back for at least a week.”
Jones stole the show on his big day, wearing a necklace that contained his father’s ashes who died earlier this year due to complications of COVID-19. Jones has stated that he is dedicating this season to his late father.
“…But if there was any play to lose it, that’s where my dad would’ve wanted me to lose it, so I know he’s smiling,” Jones said referring to his necklace in the post-game press conference.
The grounds crew ended up finding the necklace and returned it to Jones.
The Packers defense looked better this week, especially in the second half. In the first half, the defense gave up 17 points including two passing touchdowns. Kevin King struggled again, giving up a 46-yard pass on the third play of the game. First-round pick Eric Stokes played well with three pass defenses, including a nice play where he got beat and caught up to the receiver. The defense also forced two fumbles, recovering one, and got an interception.
The win did not come without a loss, as the Packers lost their best active lineman in Elgton Jenkins. Jenkins went down with an ankle injury leaving a huge hole in the offensive line. However, Jenkins’ injury is minor and he shouldn’t miss much time.
The Packers will return to the field in Sunday Night Football for Week 3 against the San Francisco 49ers (2-0). The 49ers are favored by three points; however, they will be without three running backs and two defensive linemen are listed as questionable.
The Packers and 49ers will both be without key players in their Week 3 matchup, which may become a contest of “who wants it more,” in a game that is sure to be a war of attrition.