Lions embarrassed last time they played Rodgers-less Packers at Lambeau
No break for Detroit? Give us a break
There’s coach-speak, then there are flat-out lies.
Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin this past week tried was asked about not having to face quarterback Aaron Rodgers on Monday night, when the Lions play the host Green Bay Packers. Big advantage, right?
“No, we’re not getting a break,” Austin said.
Third-year newbie Brett Hundley doesn’t pose anywhere near the same threat as Rodgers — and the whole world knows it.
Will it make for a more competitive game? Probably. Detroit has one win at Green Bay’s Lambeau Field since 1991 so they’ll happily take every break they can get. Of course, the Lions had such a break in 2011, when the Packers rested Rodgers before the playoffs, but then-unknown backup Matt Flynn blew apart the Detroit defence for 480 yards passing and six touchdowns (Packers records) in a 4541 win.
This is Hundley’s second start since Rodgers broke his right collarbone on a controversial hit after throwing a pass three weeks ago against Minnesota. Hundley threw a pick on his first pass attempt in that game, then two more in that loss and another six days later in the loss to New Orleans. Hundley has thrown only one TD pass.
Green Bay had a bye last week. Head coach Mike McCarthy said going into it that he had to better help his inexperienced quarterback.
“He tried to do a little too much (against the Saints),” McCarthy said, “but he’s competitive. He made some big, big plays with his feet.”
So does Rodgers. It’s all about what he can do with his arm, and until Hundley can hurt teams with his arm as well as his feet, the Packers are going to struggle on offence.
On Sunday, the Packers added cornerback Kevin King to their injury report, with a back injury. He’s questionable to play Monday night.