The Packers got a must-needed win on Monday Night Football against a feisty division opponent in the Detroit Lions. We saw glimpses of the MVP version of Aaron Rodgers, and it's safe to say we need to RELAX a little bit and this team gel and find their groove in this 2021 season.
We got back to our identity and ran the damn ball with Aaron Jones reaching paydirt four times on the day. Kevin King is still Kevin King, but we saw the future coming into focus with rookie Eric Stokes getting his opportunity to play significant snaps outside the CB2. King was still on the field 98% of the snaps, but they experimented with him in the slot and sat Chandon Sullivan for most of the night. We talked about potentially giving Richard Sherman a call, who may be an excellent addition to that cornerback room to find a way to utilize his skill set, which isn't a perfect fit for the current defensive scheme. If anything, he's better than Kevin King and could be a mentor to the young guys.
The run defense held Deandre Swift and Jamaal Williams under a hundred yards rushing, and new linebacker Devondre Campbell played some hell of a game. However, if we want to continue improving against the run, we need more TJ Slayton and a lot less Dean Lowry and Tyler Lancaster inside with Kenny Clark. We aren't convinced Joe Barry is the guy, but we all agree we need to be a little more patient with this transition on defense.
Kylin Hill and Corey Bojorquez have given our Special Teams a much-needed boost, and we need to see a lot more from Amari Rodgers if we want to take it to another level. Right now, the rookie wide receiver from Clemson looks timid and is giving us nothing in the punt return game. In addition, another disappointing high draft pick Jace Sternberger has been cut and is no longer a part of the team as the Seahawks have picked him up and placed him on their practice squad.
Up next, we have yet another road game against the San Francisco 49ers. We break down matchups to watch and what to expect against this conference foe. Hopefully, the Packers can build on their 2nd half against the Lions and get another W in Cali on Sunday Night. GO PACK GO!
