GREEN BAY – Wisconsin State Journal columnist Jim Polzin grades the Green Bay Packers’ performance in their 27-13 win over the Detroit Lions on Sunday at Lambeau Field.
Offense: B-plus
Jordan Love was sharp early in the game, particularly on some big third-down conversions on the opening two series. But don’t overlook how much time Love had to make those throws: The offensive line did a tremendous job setting the tone in this game by keeping the pocket clean for its quarterback. It took a bit for Green Bay’s running game to get going, but Josh Jacobs found some holes after halftime. Jacobs finished with 66 yards on 19 carries and scored a touchdown in his ninth consecutive game, a franchise record. Losing right tackle Zach Tom (hip) and left guard Aaron Banks (ankle) to injuries in the second half is a concern heading into a quick turnaround.
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Defense: A-minus
Packers coach Matt LaFleur emphasized after the game that the key to the win was holding Detroit to 46 rushing yards. David Montgomery was held to 25 yards on 11 attempts. Jahmyr Gibbs finished with nine attempts for 19 yards, but 14 came on one run. Much was made about cornerback being a potential weakness for the Packers, and that group held up well against a talented Detroit receiving corps. Amon-Ra St. Brown was held to 45 yards on four catches. The Packers finished with nine tackles for loss and four sacks. The front on obvious passing downs — Micah Parsons, Rashan Gary, Lukas Van Ness and Devonte Wyatt — wreaked havoc.
Special teams: A-minus
Daniel Whelan’s first two punts traveled 66 and 61 yards, respectively. Brandon McManus converted a pair of short field goals. Matthew Golden had a nifty punt return. Other than two holding penalties on return units, it was a solid day from the special teams.
Overall: A-minus
LaFleur couldn’t help himself and made a shaky challenge late in the first quarter that failed. But his team dominated an NFC North rival in all three phases. The addition of Parsons had an immediate impact on the players around him. It’s silly to overreact to one game, but this was an impressive performance to start the season.
Photos: Packers open season with home contest against Detroit
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Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed catches a 17-yard touchdown pass as Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold defends during the first half Sunday in Green Bay. Matt Ludtke, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs catches a long pass against the Detroit Lions Sunday in Green Bay. Jeffrey Phelps, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons, right, rushes during a play against the Detroit Lions on Sunday in Green Bay. Jeffrey Phelps, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft catches a touchdown pass against the Detroit Lions on Sunday in Green Bay. Jeffrey Phelps, Associated Press
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Detroit Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown makes a sideline catch against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday in Green Bay. Jeffrey Phelps, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs catches a pass against the Detroit Lions on Sunday in Green Bay. Jeffrey Phelps, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons rushes during a play against the Detroit Lions on Sunday in Green Bay. Jeffrey Phelps, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers defensive players pose after a Evan Williams (33) interception against the Detroit Lions during the first half on Sunday in Green Bay. Mike Roemer, Associated Press
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Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs is brought down by Green Bay Packers safety Xavier McKinney, left, and linebacker Edgerrin Cooper during the second half on Sunday in Green Bay. Morry Gash, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons rushes against Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell during the second half on Sunday in Green Bay. Morry Gash, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers defensive end Rashan Gary tackles Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff, pulling him out of the end zone, during the second half on Sunday in Green Bay. Mike Roemer, Associated Press
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Detroit Lions cornerback D.J. Reed breaks up a pass intended for Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed during the second half on Sunday in Green Bay. Matt Ludtke, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers' Jayden Reed runs past Detroit Lions' Jacob Saylors during the second half on Sunday in Green Bay. Mike Roemer, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs stiff arms Detroit Lions linebacker Derrick Barnes during the second half on Sunday in Green Bay. Matt Ludtke, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love runs the ball against the Detroit Lions during the second half on Sunday in Green Bay. Mike Roemer, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs runs for a 3-yard touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the second half on Sunday in Green Bay. Mike Roemer, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons sacks Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff during the second half on Sunday in Green Bay. Mike Roemer, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons celebrates sacking Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff, rear, during the second half on Sunday in Green Bay. Mike Roemer, Associated Press
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Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff throws against the Green Bay Packers during the second half on Sunday in Green Bay. Mike Roemer, Associated Press
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Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa catches a 13-yard touchdown pass as Green Bay Packers cornerback Carrington Valentine defends during the second half on Sunday in Green Bay. Matt Ludtke, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons, left, and his teammates celebrate his sack of Lions quarterback Jared Goff, not pictured, on Sunday in Green Bay. Jeffrey Phelps, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons celebrates his sack on Sunday in Green Bay. Jeffrey Phelps, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love celebrates a touchdown against the Detroit Lions on Sunday in Green Bay. Jeffrey Phelps, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers running back Chris Brooks runs against the Detroit Lions on Sunday in Green Bay. Jeffrey Phelps, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur looks on from the sidelines on Sunday in Green Bay. Jeffrey Phelps, Associated Press
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Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell consoles quarterback Jared Goff on Sunday in Green Bay. Jeffrey Phelps, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs runs against the Detroit Lions on Sunday in Green Bay. Jeffrey Phelps, Associated Press
jpolzin@madison.com
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