Packers Vs. Lions – 3 Plays That Make You Go Hmmm

After re-watching the Packers game, here are three plays that made me go hmmm, for various reasons. In general, I try to focus on a theme, the less obvious, or things I didn’t notice watching live. 

Have a Game, Preston –  Yes, Rashon Gary was a beast and he has the stats to prove it. Preston Smith, who can tend to be quiet at times during games while doing a lot of the required dirty work holding the edge, was a consistent force throughout this game in all aspects. Hell, he even dropped in coverage four times with only one completion allowed! Pass-rush wise, he was all over Goff, even though he got beat to the sack a few times. He hit the QB twice and was credited with three additional hurries. He did his usual work against the run, with a bit more force this time. This play is a good example – Preston takes out the pulling tackle, and the tight end, AND makes the tackle on the running back. Chef’s kiss! 

Ugly Tackling – I like Anthony Johnson as a safety. He’s quick, covers a lot of ground, tracks the ball well, etc. But the tackling – oof! Throughout the game, I saw him dropping his head and throwing shoulders at ball carriers’ feet. I get he’s a 7th round rookie, likely wasn’t getting that many practice reps in camp and that you can’t have real contact in practice during the season. But next offseason and camp, if the coaching staff can help him improve his tackling, the Packers could have a real find here because the rest of his game is pretty solid. I chose this play as just one example. The missed tackle results in a TD run, although it was called back for a penalty. 

Stiffen Up – I highlighted this same thing with Musgrave previously, so sorry if I’m harping too much on this, but it’s a small thing that can make a big difference and here is a perfect example. This is a really well-designed play that should have earned the Packers a first down. But Kraft looks back in anticipation of the tackle and seems to accept his fate. He’s carrying the ball in his left hand, so why not use your right arm and give the guy a STIFF ARM! Packers TE coaches have to start teaching this! If Kraft sticks his arm out, the defender would not be able to wrap him up so quickly and a few additional yards would be gained. The Packers would have had a first down near the 10 yard line. Instead they have a fourth and one on the next play and proceeded to mess it up with Dillon colliding into Love. Red zone trip wasted.