Five Packers to watch vs. Lions in key Week 6 game
By Jesse Fry
4. Preston Smith
The only other player off to as good of a start as Za’Darius Smith is his new BFF and fellow 2019 free agent Preston Smith. Smith currently has the team lead in sacks with 5.5 and is on his way to his highest total in a single season.
While his pass-rushing will always be his money maker, his abilities in coverage are also a reason the Packers made him their target.
The Lions have a shiny new toy in tight end T.J. Hockenson and like to use him. The team also spent money of former Steeler Jesse James. Matt Patricia comes from New England, a place that likes their tight ends. He brought in Darrell Bevell due to similar philosophies on offense, so you’d have to assume getting the tight end going to help Stafford is a priority. Especially on early downs when the Packers are in base personnel.
If Smith can stop the tight ends in the pass game, the Packers can stay in heavy personnel to stop the run.
5. Will Redmond
Injuries are a part of the game. After sustaining good health through the first four weeks of the season, the Packers’ injuries are starting to mount. First it was Davante Adams, this week it is Darnell Savage.
Neither injury appears to be very serious, but the Packers seem to be (and should) preceding with caution. Especially with their talented rookie safety. Ankle sprains are a tricky injuries and there should be no rush to get him back on the field.
Will Redmond isn’t completely healthy either. He was limited with a shoulder injury in practice Thursday. But with Stafford on tap, it’s better to go with the healthy legs.
Redmond isn’t the prospect Savage is, but he does have speed to help cover in the back end.
The Lions have Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones, who can test the defense deep. I expect Jaire Alexander to have a bounce-back game after getting lit up by Amari Cooper. But Kevin King is banged up and might need some help deep, and this is why Redmond and his speed will be key.
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The Packers have a golden opportunity right in front of them. Beat the Lions and first place is all theirs. The Vikings have a tough matchup against the Eagles and the Bears are on a bye. There is still a lot of football left. But this could be the week they grab hold of the NFC North and not look back.