October 6, 2013 - 12:00 p.m. - FOX
Lambeau Field
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Packers 22 - Lions 9
The Packers extended their winning streak in Wisconsin over the Detroit Lions to 23. Coming off a bye week, the Packers looked like they were sleep walking in the first half and most of the third quarter. Not a lot of excitement or much to cheer about at Lambeau Field as the Packers took a 6-3 lead into halftime. The Lions were without their number one offensive threat Calvin Johnson, who as inactive due to a knee injury. With that factor, the Lions offense looked like a team who had no idea what to do out there. Thanks to that, the defense dominated the Lions all day long.
Matthew Stafford was sacked five times in this match up. The following players recorded a sack for the Packers: Nick Perry (2), Mike Neal (1), Clay Matthews (1), and Brad Jones (1). AJ Hawk did not record any sacks, however, he did have nine tackles and played well. Hawk is having a great start to the season. The defense didn't give up anything all game. The Lions scored a late touchdown in garbage time to narrow the score, but the Packers won this game handily. With Calvin Johnson out, the Lions next best offensive weapon, running back Reggie Bush, was held in check. Bush only rushed for 44 yards on 13 carries and only caught four passes for 25 yards. The only thing missing defensively from this game was a turnover.
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| Photo credit: packers.com |
The Packers offense was a different story in this ballgame. The first two drives for the Packers were solid, however, were stalled in the red zone. The Packers were forced to settle for Mason Crosby field goals. The offense played well in between the twenties today, however, struggled once they got to or inside the red zone. Very uncharacteristic for Aaron Rodgers and company. The offense made its way into the end zone once when Rodgers connected with James Jones on an 83-yard touchdown. Randall Cobb made some great catches along with a 67-yard rushing play. Jordy Nelson had another solid game catches five balls for 82 yards. The biggest positive note from today's game was the success of the running game again. Eddie Lacy was back and rushed for 99 yards on 23 carries (4.3 average per carry). Give Lacy one more yard and the Packers would have had three consecutive games with a 100-yard rusher.
Mason Crosby appears to be in a groove in 2013. After a horrendous 2012 campaign, Crosby had started the year nine for nine. In today's game, Crosby hit from 26, 52, 31, 42, and 45 yards. Give him a game ball for today's performance. Keep it up Mason.
As always, the Packers suffered some injuries in this ballgame. Brad Jones left the game in the first half with a hamstring injury. His replacement, Robert Francois, unfortunately ruptured his Achilles tendon and will miss the remainder of the season. Clay Matthews also left this game in the third quarter with a broken thumb. It is unclear at this time whether Matthews will need surgery on the thumb or if he will be able to continue to play with the injury. A major blow for the Packers defense regardless if Matthews misses time or not.
This was a big win for the Packers getting back to .500. This game was quite the snoozer. But, the Packers have pulled to within a half game of the Lions and Bears for the NFC North division lead.
Detroit Lions 3-2
Chicago Bears 3-2
Green Bay Packers 2-2
Minnesota Vikings 1-3
#gopackgo
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