Packers: Five players key to victory in Week 2 vs. Lions

5. Tyler Ervin

Tyler Ervin was a godsend for the Packers in 2019. Prior to his arrival, the Packers’ return game was an absolute joke and had negative yards on the season.

From his very first touch as a Packer, Ervin gave the team something they hadn’t had, a spark plug on special teams and a player who’s skill set could give the Packers an “X” factor on offense.

Ervin didn’t have much of a chance in the return game last week but he was very effective on offense, rushing three times for 38 yards on jet sweeps.

I think head coach Matt LaFleur was laying the ground work for what will be a difficult matchup for opposing defenses all season. Ervin is fast and can get to the edge in a hurry. He also is more than capable of catching passes on wheels routes or gadget plays.

The Packers will be capable of taking advantage of another inexperienced secondary. More so if Desmond Trufant is unable to play due to injury. But adding another wrinkle with Ervin could be the recipe to put up another 40 points.

If Ervin can provide a spark on special teams with a big return or return for a touchdown, it would be an even bigger boost to the Packers.

Last week, we saw the defense put points on the board. How about Ervin breaks the Packers’ streak of games without a return for a touchdown?

This game has the potential to be another high-scoring affair for the offense. The Lions are young and injured in the secondary. But taking care of the run on defense and adding a new look or two on offense will be the difference.

The Lions are a tough team. Their record may not show many victories from the start of last season, but this team does not quit and will give the Packers a tough contest that could go to down to the wire.

If these five players step up, in addition to the Packers’ known stars, the Packers could be looking at 2-0 and in control of the division for the second year in a row.