The Green Bay Packers dropped their final game of the regular season to the Detroit Lions. It was a meaningless game that did not affect the playoff seeding at all. The Packers will now head into the playoffs without any new serious injuries. Here, we highlight the studs and duds of the Packers 37-30 loss to Detroit.
Three Studs
Allen Lazard
Prior to the Packers/Lions game, all focus was on Davante Adams as he was attempting to set the Packers’ single-season record for receiving yards. Adams got the record, but it was Allen Lazard who had the better day. Lazard finished the game with five catches for 75 yards and two touchdowns.
This performance gave Lazard over 500 receiving yards on the season. This was the first time in his career that Lazard eclipsed 500 yards in a season. Additionally, it brought his touchdown total to eight, which is second on the team.
AJ Dillon
In somewhat of a surprise, Aaron Jones was given the day off to rest his knee. The meant that AJ Dillon received most of the carries in the first half. Dillon had 14 carries for 63 yards against the Lions. He did not play much in the second half.
However, the reason for his placement here is because 803 yards on the season. Not only is that his career high, but it also is more than Aaron Jones has. Jones, who did not play, finished the season with 799 yards.
Josiah Deguara
After tearing his ACL last season, Joshiah Deguara saw his role in the offense decrease this year. However, as of late, he has had a few strong performances. He had another one today, catching three passes for 66 yards. His longest reception went for 62 yards and a touchdown from Jordan Love.
Three Duds
Oren Burks
Oren Burks was exposed today, just plain and simple. As mentioned, this was a meaningless game, but if the Packers are ever in a position where Burks is playing meaningful snaps at linebacker, they are in trouble. Burks are constantly burned on short passing plays, failed to communicate with his teammates, and was constantly beaten to the edge by Detroit’s running backs.
That all being said, Burks has been one of the Packers’ best special teams players all season. He has a role on this team. It’s just not inside linebacker.
Juwann Winfree
There was not much to be seen from Juwann Winfree today. However, he did make one huge mistake, a fumble early in the third quarter that gave Detroit excellent field position. Winfree has bounced between the practice squad and the active roster this season. Today, and he had three catches for 16 yards. That one fumble, though, is an indication of why he has not stuck.
Jordan Love
Jordan Love played the entire second half. To be honest, he wasn’t all that bad. However, his interception late in the fourth quarter sealed the win for Detroit. That being said, he had some very nice throws that indicate that his development is coming along nicely. However, two total interceptions were enough to land him on the dud list today.
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