Five Packers to watch vs. Lions in key Week 6 game
By Jesse Fry
2. Aaron Jones
Since the day he was hired, Coach LaFleur talked about the importance of marrying the run and pass. On Sunday, he proved why. After throwing over 40 passes in a loss versus the Eagles, LaFleur changed up his tactics a bit and focused on inside zones, proving he can and will switch up his scheme to put his players in the best positions possible to succeed.
The result was a record-setting day for Aaron Jones and allowed for a pass game down it’s biggest weapon to be a complementary piece in a victory. A similar game plan against this Lions team might be the best chance for victory.
The team might get Jamaal Williams back this week, but even if he does return, Jones should be the focus of the offense. Jones has the skill to take small gains and turn them into something, to take a good run and make it a big run. Simply put, he’s explosive.
Coming off that game against Dallas, the Lions will likely look to take away Jones. If they overcommit to the run, it can then open things up in the play-action game, a staple of LaFleur’s system. The problem the team will have is balancing and rotating other backs in to keep Jones healthy for the long haul.
3. Oren Burks
Oren Burks got his first taste of game action last week against Dallas. After sitting out most of the preseason, as well as the first four weeks of the season, Burks’ pectoral injury proved healthy enough to get into his first game. Now, let’s see if he’s healthy enough to be a regular contributor.
The Packers are desperate for some more speed in the middle of the defense. After losing Raven Greene to injury, the Packers have used a variety of different players next to Blake Martinez, to mixed results. The run defense has suffered while the pass defense has been strong.
Burks can end the rotation of players next to Martinez and sure up the middle of the defense. He has the speed to cover and the size to hold up against the run. He has been the missing piece to make this defense even better.
The Lions have used Kerryon Johnson effectively so far this season and he has been key to Matthew Stafford‘s good start to 2019. Lions head coach Matt Patricia will likely want to get Johnson going to keep the defense off balance and allow Stafford time in the pocket. If Burks can put the chest injury behind him and be the speed to Martinez’s power, the Packers will be able to keep the Lions in long distances for the pass rush to tee off.