Why Packers should be optimistic heading into 'TNF' showdown vs. Lions
The beginning of Jordan Love's tenure as the franchise quarterback for the Green Bay Packers is off to a positive 2-1 start but faces its toughest test yet on "Thursday Night Football" this week against the Detroit Lions.
Despite needing a furious fourth-quarter comeback to beat the New Orleans Saints, 18-17, in Week 3, Packers faithful should feel optimistic about a much better offensive performance.
Per The Athletic's Matt Schneidman, wide receiver Romeo Doubs said "We'll have 33 back," when talking to the media on Tuesday about running back Aaron Jones. Meanwhile, Ryan Wood of USA Today reported that WR Christian Watson said that he plans to make his 2023 debut against the Lions.
These are two weapons that should be a huge help for Love.
The Detroit Lions are fifth in the NFL in yards-per-carry allowed so far, while A.J. Dillion has managed just 2.6 YPC in the two games since Jones suffered his hamstring injury. Jones provides a much more explosive option in both the rushing a receiving game.
Before injuring his hamstring on a 35-yard touchdown catch-and-run, Jones had 41 rushing yards and another touchdown, as well as an additional 51-yard reception. His ability to make big plays through the air as well as on the ground should help the Green Bay offensive line combat a scary front seven in Detroit led by Aidan Hutchinson.
Green Bay should be just as excited for the return of Watson.
While Love has taken good care of the ball so far (one interception in 96 pass attempts), the limitations of the Packers' receiving corps without Watson have kept him in the middle of the pack amongst qualified quarterbacks at 6.8 yards-per-pass attempt.
In his rookie 2022 season, Watson averaged 14.2 yards-per-reception on the way to 611 total yards and seven touchdowns in 14 games and should let Love take more shots down the field.
With Watson joining a WR corps of Doubs and rookie Jayden Reed that has been decent through three weeks, this trio should cause major headaches to a secondary dealing with the loss of C.J. Gardner-Johnson.
Jones and Watson were both listed as limited participants in Tuesday's practice, but if the two are able to go on "Thursday Night Football," Love might just hear from Aaron Rodgers once again for defeating an NFC North rival.
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