The Green Bay Packers overcame a wretched first half and deficits of 14-0 and 17-3 to come back and beat the Detroit Lions during Sunday’s season finale at Ford Field.
The win improved the Packers to 13-3 and clinched a first-round bye.
Here are seven observations from the 23-20 victory:
Backups come through: The Packers lost starting center Corey Linsley in the first half and then lost starting right tackle Bryan Bulaga in the second half, but the offensive line never blinked. Lucas Patrick, who signed a two-year extension on Saturday, filled in capably at center. Jared Veldheer, who was claimed off waivers and activated earlier this month, played well over the final 20 minutes at right tackle. Big credit to Patrick and Veldheer for stepping in and keeping the front solid, and props to GM Brian Gutekunst for adding a quality backup offensive tackle late in the season and extending a versatile interior backup. The snaps played by the two backups on Sunday could be critical if the Packers suffer another injury on the interior or at tackle during the postseason.
Disconnect between 12 and 83: Aaron Rodgers and Marquez Valdes-Scantling were off during training camp and they never got on the same page in 2019. MVS was targeted seven times on Sunday but caught just two for 19 yards. On two different plays, Rodgers overshot him or misjudged where he’d be on the field. For whatever reason, the necessary comfort level between the quarterback and receiver doesn’t exist. Valdes-Scantling finished a disappointing second season as one of only four receivers in the NFL to see 50 or more targets but finish with a catch percentage under 50. Getting that connection dialed in for the playoffs could be huge, but is it too late?
Davante in the slot: Davante Adams in the slot is becoming a bigger and bigger part of the offense. He caught at least three of his seven catches from the slot, including a first-down catch on third down in the first half and the 20-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter. It’s an effective strategy because it affords Adams more options to release off the line and more options at the top of his route, and it’s much harder to double team the inside. His double-move on the touchdown was one of the best routes of the season from a Packers receiver.
Intrigue with Ervin: Tyler Ervin has solidified his spot as the team’s primary returner, but he’ll be an intriguing gadget player for the Packers offense in the postseason. He’s a quick, shifty runner and he had separation on two missed deep shots. The Packers also used him again as the jet motion man on a few snaps, and he made a heads-up play on a busted screen when he gave Aaron Rodgers a throwing lane in the scramble drill. Aaron Jones is the top option and Jamaal Williams should be ready for the divisional round, but don’t be surprised if Ervin keeps getting chances. He’s dynamic. Expect him to stay in the gameplan in the playoffs.
Martinez makes big plays: Packers inside linebacker Blake Martinez hasn’t made many game-changing plays this season, but he contributed a few in the second half to help spark the comeback. He had the primary pressure on 3rd-and-9 that nearly resulted in an interception for Tramon Williams. Later, with the Packers down seven points and the Lions driving, Martinez blew through the running back and sacked David Blough on first down and then got deep in coverage and picked off Blough’s errant pass a play later. The takeaway set up the Packers’ game-tying touchdown drive. On the Lions’ final drive, Martinez stepped up and covered the underneath crosser, which was likely Blough’s first read, and forced an incompletion.
Lazard’s day: Allen Lazard had a big day, but it should have been much bigger. He was open a lot. Aaron Rodgers found him four times for 69 yards. He provided a spark in the third quarter with a tough catch moving to his right on the Packers’ first touchdown drive. Later, he got Darius Slay spun around and then skied for the game-tying score on 3rd-and-10. On the Packers’ second-to-last drive, Lazard won from the slot on a slant despite the cornerback playing inside leverage. The catch moved the sticks on third down. Rodgers should probably look 13’s direction more.
Props to JK: Not only did punter JK Scott have several impressive punts bounce inside the 10-yard line, but he saved the day as a holder. It was an erratic day from long snapper Hunter Bradley. Scott stayed laser-focused and cleaned it up. On the game-winning kick, Scott caught a very high snap and got the ball down and in position in a flash. Those little things can go unnoticed, but it made all the difference for the Packers on Sunday.