3 takeaways from Packers’ Week 2 victory vs. Lions

3. Defense bounces back from slow start

Watching the Lions’ two possessions, it looked like more of the same from the Packers’ defense. They couldn’t stop the run and Detroit built two impressive drives on the back of its ground game. It started with an eight-play, 75-yard touchdown drive finished off with a one-yard rush by Kerryon Johnson. Next was a 13-play touchdown drive finished with a Marvin Jones catch.

The Packers were down 14-3 and in trouble early in the game. Without a lead, the defense looked unable to get off the field.

But then things changed. The Packers forced the Lions to punt on their next two drives and didn’t give up any points in the second or third quarter.

The defense also started to make the big plays they needed. Chandon Sullivan defended two passes and returned an interception for a touchdown. Rashan Gary had possibly the best game of his career with 1.5 sacks, two quarterback hits, and a tackle for loss.

After a slow start, Mike Pettine’s defense would give up just seven points from the second quarter on. Clearly, there’s still a lot of work to do, especially against the run. But the defense was able to bounce back after a bad start which helped the Packers get the win.