Packers vs. Lions: Tale of the tape for Week 6 matchup
Offense
Packers
This offense is still a work in progress. Installing a brand new offense can take a while, usually around 6-8 weeks to really get things going. You can tell that Matt LaFleur has been adding a little more to the offense each week, and each week, they look a lot more comfortable on the field.
The problem right now is injuries. Jamaal Williams looked like he was going to be a big part of the offense before his concussion against the Eagles. After that, the running game was virtually nonexistent for the rest of the game. The next week, Aaron Jones had his big game.
Davante Adams won’t be playing again this Monday. That’s something LaFleur and this offense are going to have to get figured out. During the Dallas game, Rodgers found plenty of pass-catchers, but mostly to Jones and tight ends. LaFleur is going to have to figure out how to get the receivers open and more involved.
But as much as people want to drag the Packers’ offense through the mud, they have played five quality defensive opponents and are 13th in the NFL in points scored per game with 23.8 points per game.
Lions
The Lions offense is also running a new offense this year under new offensive coordinator, Darrell Bevell. Packers fans know him well, he was the offensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings from 2006-2010 and then the Seattle Seahawks from 2011-2017. The Packers have seen a lot of Bevell over the years.
The Lions are enjoying some success under Bevell. So far this season, the Lions are averaging 24.2 points per game (12th in the NFL), 387.5 yards per game (eighth), 120.5 rushing yards per game (13th) and 267 passing yards per game (seventh).
Granted, they may not have played the strongest defenses so far this season, and probably not one as good as the Packers, but they are still able to put up nice numbers.
Stafford has a lot of weapons in this offense. Running back Kerryon Johnson is having a decent season but has become more of a receiving threat than he was in his rookie season. Kenny Golloday and Marvin Jones are a solid pair of receivers for Stafford. Together, they’ve combined for 37 receptions, 520 yards, and five touchdowns.
The Packers will also have to worry about rookie tight end, T.J. Hockenson, who had a blistering start to the season, catching six passes for 131 yards and a touchdown against Arizona in Week 1. He has cooled off since then and is also coming back from a concussion, but should still play Monday night.
The Packers will still be without Adams, but with Williams coming back to join Jones in the backfield, I think the Packers still have the better offense, especially with Rodgers at the helm.