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Four takeaways from Packers’ NFC North-clinching win over Lions

By Freddie Boston

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Geronimo Allison (81) catches an important pass against the Lions. Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Geronimo Allison (81) catches an important pass against the Lions. Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 1, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones (11) makes a catch during the second quarter against Green Bay Packers cornerback Quinten Rollins (24) at Ford Field. Packers won 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones (11) makes a catch during the second quarter against Green Bay Packers cornerback Quinten Rollins (24) at Ford Field. Packers won 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

Ailing secondary loses more pieces

Considered a strength in preseason, the Packers secondary has been nothing short of a train wreck this year. Neither Damarious Randall or Quinten Rollins, who exceeded expectations as rookies, have reached their second-year potential, and now the Packers could be without both in the playoffs.

Rollins left the game with a scary neck injury. He was taken immediately to a nearby hospital, but the early reports are encouraging for his health. Rollins’ status for Sunday’s game can be assumed to be cloudy at best.

Randall exited the game with a knee injury and didn’t return. He sat discouraged on the sideline. To make matters worse, Makinton Dorleant also left the game on a cart with a knee injury.

If Rollins and Randall don’t suit up Sunday, the Packers secondary would be alien from the one that started Week 1 at Jacksonville. Sam Shields’ season was lost in the opener, and the defensive backfield is yet to recover from his absence.

This doesn’t bode well for a matchup with Odell Beckham Jr. this weekend. Safeties Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and Morgan Burnett will need to play a key role in keeping him quiet, just as they did in the Week 5 victory over the Giants.

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