Tonight the Packers return from a welcome bye week and host
the Lions at Lambeau Field. This will be the second start for quarterback Brett
Hundley, who took over for an injured Aaron Rodgers three weeks ago in
Minnesota. Depending on how the Packers play, Hundley could be the quarterback
for the rest of the season. Here is our preview.
Brett Hundley- In his first career start against the Saints,
Hundley showed flashes of his natural talent, especially when Mike McCarthy was
creative in his play calling. He also looked a bit lost, and repeatedly failed
to see open receivers in that first start. Having Aaron Rodgers in the building
from this point forward will be a boost to the entire team, but especially
Hundley. Hundley needs to play better, with consistency, for the entire game.
Mike McCarthy- McCarthy also needs to be much better
tonight. McCarthy’s play calling was great in the first half. He mixed it up,
he got creative, and the Packers ran the ball. Hundley benefited from the fact
that the Packers consistently moved the ball down the field the entire first
half. But in the second half, McCarthy reverted back to his “base 22” offensive
scheme. It’s a conservative style of play calling that he is known to ask for
at times. It’s basically meant to clear the way for Rodgers to see the field
and respond based on the defense. However this is Brett Hundley, not Aaron
Rodgers. He needs to ditch base 22 for the rest of the season.
Aaron Jones- The first month of the season, Jones was
sitting on the bench. Now he is a fantasy football superstar. Jones needs to
keep running with the same authority he has the last few games. The Packers may
have found their long-term solution at running back.
Defense- The Packers defense has been playing better the
last few weeks, and getting healthier at the same time. If this team is going
to survive, and give themselves a chance for Rodgers to return to the lineup in
December, they need all hands on deck. The defense needs to keep up its recent performance.
How the Packers win: The Packers have a shot at a win
because this Lions defense is bad, and badly banged up at the moment. Aaron
Jones would need to run for over 150 yards, and Brett Hundley needs to take
care of the football, all game long. Mike McCarthy will improve his play calling
and the Packers will win.
How the Packers could lose: This is a team that is designed
to be led to victory by great quarterback play. You can’t just switch a team’s
playing style mid-season and expect it to work flawlessly. This team is not
used to the Hundle
y format, they have yet to get used to the way he plays, and their
slide continues as they lose. 