Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions: Week 17 Keys to Victory
Dec 14, 2014; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson (87) runs after a catch against the Buffalo Bills during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. The Bills beat the Packers 21-13. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
3. Run (with) the ball.
Establishing the running game is a must-do for the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, but they may be best served to get creative. Eddie Lacy could see close to 20 carries if the game allows, but instead of running the football up the middle, the Packers’ have the ability and personnel to put players into open spaces and allow them to run with the football.
Detroit’s pass defense ranks near the middle of the league in yardage, but 6th in the league in sacks with 39. If Aaron Rodgers is able to create quick-hitting routes early to Randall Cobb and Jordy Nelson, this puts the Packers into plus matchups. Green Bay would far rather Jordy Nelson in space against a Cornerback than Eddie Lacy in a crowd against Ndamukong Suh.
Screen passes to the Wide Receivers would be a good place to start if the Lions secondary is giving a cushion. Randall Cobb’s quick feet allow him to create in a flash, while Jordy Nelson and Davante Adams both excel with their strength and stiff arm moves. A gain of 4-6 yards on these plays not only moves the chains, but keeps the Lions’ defense on their heels.
The go-to play on Sunday should be quick slants over the middle. The Packers should be very, very confident putting Nelson and Cobb against the Lions’ safeties, and if Aaron Rodgers can get the ball to his receivers with open field in front of them, they should be able to do all the work. It’s the running game, only with a big, forward handoff.
Runs to Lacy and Starks will still be critical, as will their backfield blocking when Rodgers throws from the shotgun. Their greatest value may come if Green Bay is able to take an early lead and the Packers need to control the clock, something that they have improved upon since their loss in September.