5 biggest takeaways from Packers’ loss to Lions in Week 9

Packers had nowhere to run

We’ve all talked about the Packers’ need to remain committed to the run game. That is absolutely true. But they struggled to move the ball on the ground against the Lions.

What sums it up perfectly? Aaron Rodgers led the team in rushing. He ran four times for 40 yards, which included an 18-yard carry.

Life wasn’t easy for the Packers’ running backs in this game.

AJ Dillon had 11 attempts for 34 yards, averaging just 3.1 yards per carry. Aaron Jones had nine attempts for 25 yards, averaging 2.8 yards before he left the game due to injury.

Kylin Hill marked his return from injury with one carry for seven yards. He could see more opportunities in the coming weeks if Jones misses any time.

The Packers didn’t get Jones the ball enough as a runner or receiver before he left the game. Nothing new there.

But it’s also true that when Green Bay did try to run the ball, not much worked. Detroit forced Green Bay into many longer second and third downs, which this offense isn’t great at converting.

After an excellent rushing performance at Buffalo last week, this was a disappointing game for the Packers’ running backs. Take off Rodgers’ 40 yards, and Green Bay made just 66 rushing yards on 21 attempts, an average of 3.1.