The Green Bay Packers took on the Detroit Lions in a big game in the NFC North. The Packers have now promoted Jordan Love, their starting Quarterback, who was one of their backups for Aaron Rodgers.
All was not easy for Love as he faced the Lions without the presence of two Pro Bowl offensive linemen. The Packers suffered a loss against the Lions, but the experience gained by Love as a starter may define his career as well as the future of the Packers.
A Disappointing Loss
The Packers and Lions looked all set for an evenly matched battle, which wasn’t the case, with the Lions crushing the Packers 34-20.
Packers coach Matt LaFleur spoke to the press after the game saying, “We got our ass kicked, If I knew [why], it wouldn’t have happened.”
LaFleur also defended Love’s performance, saying, “It’s hard to throw on your back. We’ve got to protect him better. We’ve got to look at some of the things we’re asking our guys to do. … There’s plenty of blame to go around. I’m always going to look at myself first and foremost and see what kind of position we’re putting our offense in. It wasn’t good enough.”
The Lions powered through the first half, with the score reading 27-3 at halftime.
Love had a few promising moments, but not as much as he or the Packers would have liked. He ended the game with two touchdowns (one rushing) and two interceptions.
While a brunt of the blame was faced by Love, critics and fans must also consider the challenges the Packers offensive line faced.
The absence of linemen David Bakhitari and Elgton Jenkins played a big role as it forced Love into pressure, which impacted the way he executed plays against the Lions.
Speaking to the press, Packers guard Jon Runyan said, “It’s not where you want to be, especially when you’re playing the Lions and they have a really good pass-rush front.” “ I think their defensive line is definitely the strength of their team.
Defensive and offensive line. When they’re able to know what the situation is and know they’re going to have to get after the quarterback, it’s hard on us to hold up. We’re putting ourselves in those second-and-10s, third-and-12s … these last two weeks have just been unacceptable for us.”
The Packers didn’t earn a first down without a Detroit penalty till late in the second quarter.
A Struggling Defense
Along with their obvious offensive struggles, the Packers’ defense faced their own issues.
An early interception by Rudy Ford, the Lions were able to push through on their next four drives.
They scored 24 points, averaging 8.6 yards per play. Detroit was forced into their first punt by the Packers when they were already leading by 21 points.
What Next For Jordan Love And The Packers?
Questions will be raised on whether Love is the right choice to lead the Packers this season, while considerations need to be made over the stability of the offensive line of the Packers.
The Packers currently hold a 2-2 record, with Elgton Jenkins returning to boost their chances in a division that gives them the chance to come back strong.
Love will look to keep the loss against the Lions behind him and build towards the future as the starting quarterback for the Packers, redeeming himself and the chances of the franchise this season.
