After six months of hype heading into the new era in Green Bay Packers’ football, the team can finally get back to its normal routine following the rousing Monday win over the rival Vikings. Well almost, after all it was a Monday night game, making a short week, but now the focus is on the Detroit Lions and Detroit Lions only.
Monday night was a huge win and in the short term answered many questions about the Packers. Obviously number one was whether or not Aaron Rodgers can play. That does not appear to be a question any longer. Rodgers followed up his excellent performance in Dallas last year with a solid first game as a starter. Against a strong defense and a shaky start, Rodgers might not have calmed the fears of all Packers’ fans, but even the biggest doubters have to give the guy a shot now.
Rodgers showed the youthful exuberance that reflected his age and excitement in finally getting the chance to play. He did not look scared Monday night, even against a Vikings’ defense that is one of the best in the NFL. But such as life is in the NFL, what he does in Detroit is all that matters now. And like head coach Mike McCarthy said, the Packers are “heading into a hornet’s nest.” I do think the Lions suck and the Packers really shouldn’t have a problem, but stranger things have happened when the Packers visit Detroit.
I thought the defense played a great game Monday even though they did give up a ton of yards. A couple of big plays hurt them, the quarterback scramble still is a problem for them, but overall they made life tough for the Vikings. Had not for giving up that fourth-down touchdown pass late in the game would it have been a gem.
I hope Will Blackmon stays healthy this year. Like I said I previously, he can’t cover anybody but the guy is a special weapon on special teams. Brings to mind Desmond Howard. The special teams have improved ten-fold over the last couple of years. I thought Mike Stock was a joke when McCarthy hired him, but that unit has shown major improvement the last two years. Sure, much of that has to to with improved talent on the roster, but Stock should get his share of credit.
Sure am looking forward to Sunday. Sure wish Ryan Grant was healthy. More on that to come…