Dougherty: Predictable Packers struggling just to follow usual script
The Packers have had bad starts before and rebounded. But you don't get the feel of a dangerous team in the making.
Dougherty: Predictable Packers struggling just to follow usual script The Packers have had bad starts before and rebounded. But you don't get the feel of a dangerous team in the making. Check out this story on packersnews.com: https://www.packersnews.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/dougherty/2018/10/07/dougherty-predictable-packers-struggling-just-follow-usual-script/1538712002/
Pete Dougherty, Packers News Published 7:10 p.m. CT Oct. 7, 2018 | Updated 7:47 p.m. CT Oct. 7, 2018
Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions: Week 5
Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones (33) picks up 4 yards in the first half during the Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions NFL game at Ford Field, Detroit, Sunday, October 7, 2018. Rick Wood/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. USA RIck Wood, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Green Bay Packers linebacker Blake Martinez (50) tackles Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate (15) during the Green Bay Packers 31-23 loss to the Detroit Lions at Ford Field, Detroit, Sunday, October 7, 2018. Rick Wood/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. USA RIck Wood, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
\Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) celebrates a td while the Packers secondary appears lost during the Green Bay Packers 31-23 loss to the Detroit Lions at Ford Field, Detroit, Sunday, October 7, 2018. Rick Wood/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. USA RIck Wood, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) had 442 yards but he was throwing with the brace on his leg. the Green Bay Packers 31-23 loss to the Detroit Lions at Ford Field, Detroit, Sunday, October 7, 2018. Rick Wood/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. USA RIck Wood, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Green Bay Packers running back Ty Montgomery (88) runs for yardage in the second half during the Green Bay Packers 31-23 loss to the Detroit Lions at Ford Field, Detroit, Sunday, October 7, 2018. Rick Wood/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. USA RIck Wood, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) unloads a touchdown pass to Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams (17) in the second half during the Green Bay Packers 31-23 loss to the Detroit Lions at Ford Field, Detroit, Sunday, October 7, 2018. Rick Wood/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. USA RIck Wood, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown (19) eludes Detroit Lions defensive back Tracy Walker (47) to a first down in the red zone during the Green Bay Packers 31-23 loss to the Detroit Lions at Ford Field, Detroit, Sunday, October 7, 2018. Rick Wood/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. USA RIck Wood, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (83) picks up first down to the 14 yard line during the Green Bay Packers 31-23 loss to the Detroit Lions at Ford Field, Detroit, Sunday, October 7, 2018. Rick Wood/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. USA RIck Wood, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga (75) and Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Byron Bell (74) rest at the end of the game during the Green Bay Packers 31-23 loss to the Detroit Lions at Ford Field, Detroit, Sunday, October 7, 2018. Rick Wood/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. USA RIck Wood, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga (75) and Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Byron Bell (74) shows their fatigue at the end of the Green Bay Packers 31-23 loss to the Detroit Lions at Ford Field, Detroit, Sunday, October 7, 2018. Rick Wood/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. USA RIck Wood, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (83) stretches to try for a touchdown but on review is placed at the 2 yard line during the Green Bay Packers 31-23 loss to the Detroit Lions at Ford Field, Detroit, Sunday, October 7, 2018. Rick Wood/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. USA RIck Wood, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Penalties hurt the Green Bay Packers as cornerback Josh Jackson (37)] is called for face mask against Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate (15) in the fourth quarter during the Green Bay Packers 31-23 loss to the Detroit Lions at Ford Field, Detroit, Sunday, October 7, 2018. Rick Wood/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. USA RIck Wood, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Coach Mike McCarthy talks with Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) during a second half break during the Green Bay Packers 31-23 loss to the Detroit Lions at Ford Field, Detroit, Sunday, October 7, 2018. Rick Wood/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. USA RIck Wood, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams (17) scores a touchdown in the second half during the Green Bay Packers 31-23 loss to the Detroit Lions at Ford Field, Detroit, Sunday, October 7, 2018. Rick Wood/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. USA RIck Wood, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Green Bay Packers tight end Lance Kendricks (84) celebrates his second half touchdown with Green Bay Packers tight end Marcedes Lewis (89) during the Green Bay Packers 31-23 loss to the Detroit Lions at Ford Field, Detroit, Sunday, October 7, 2018. Rick Wood/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. USA RIck Wood, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Green Bay Packers tight end Lance Kendricks (84) scores a touchdown in the second half during the Green Bay Packers 31-23 loss to the Detroit Lions at Ford Field, Detroit, Sunday, October 7, 2018. Rick Wood/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. USA RIck Wood, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Green Bay Packers kicker Mason Crosby (2) hits his final field goal at the end of the game after missing 4 during the Green Bay Packers 31-23 loss to the Detroit Lions at Ford Field, Detroit, Sunday, October 7, 2018. Rick Wood/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. USA RIck Wood, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Green Bay Packers kicker Mason Crosby (2) looks subdued at the end of the gamer during the Green Bay Packers 31-23 loss to the Detroit Lions at Ford Field, Detroit, Sunday, October 7, 2018. Rick Wood/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. USA RIck Wood, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) greets Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) after during Green Bay Packers 31-23 loss to the Detroit Lions at Ford Field, Detroit, Sunday, October 7, 2018. Rick Wood/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. USA RIck Wood, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Oct 7, 2018; Detroit, MI, USA; Green Bay Packers kicker Mason Crosby (2) talks to punter JK Scott (6) after missing a field goal during the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports Tim Fuller, Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 7, 2018; Detroit, MI, USA; Green Bay Packers kicker Mason Crosby (2) talks to punter JK Scott (6) on the sidelines after a missed field goal during the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports Tim Fuller, Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 7, 2018; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia and Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy after the game at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports Tim Fuller, Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) scrambles on 4th and 4 for a first down in the second half during the Green Bay Packers 31-23 loss to the Detroit Lions at Ford Field, Detroit, Sunday, October 7, 2018. RIck Wood, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Oct 7, 2018; Detroit, MI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (83) completes a touchdown pass during the third quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 7, 2018; Detroit, MI, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Lance Kendricks (84) completes a touchdown pass during the third quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate (15) pushes Green Bay Packers strong safety Kentrell Brice (29) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018, in Detroit. Duane Burleson, AP
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws as Green Bay Packers linebacker Blake Martinez (50) rushes during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018, in Detroit. Duane Burleson, AP
Oct 7, 2018; Detroit, MI, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Lance Kendricks (84) celebrates his touchdown with tight end Marcedes Lewis (89) and tight end Robert Tonyan (85) during the third quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 7, 2018; Detroit, MI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams (17) runs after a catch against Detroit Lions strong safety Quandre Diggs (28) and linebacker Christian Jones (52) during the second quarter at Ford Field. Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 7, 2018; Detroit, MI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (83) unable to make a catch against Detroit Lions cornerback Nevin Lawson (24) during the second quarter at Ford Field. Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 7, 2018; Detroit, MI, USA; Green Bay Packers strong safety Kentrell Brice (29) tries to tackle Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate (15) during the second quarter at Ford Field. Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) reacts after being tackled by Detroit Lions defensive end Romeo Okwara (95) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018, in Detroit. Rey Del Rio, AP
Green Bay Packers running back Jamaal Williams (30) runs into the end zone for a two-point conversion during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018, in Detroit. Paul Sancya, AP
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling runs into the end zone for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018, in Detroit. Rey Del Rio, AP
Lance Kendricks of the Green Bay Packers looks for yardage against Quandre Diggs of the Detroit Lions during the first half at Ford Field on October 7, 2018 in Detroit. Gregory Shamus, Getty Images
Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews, center, leads the tackle during the first half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018, in Detroit. Rey Del Rio, AP
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) pulls away from Green Bay Packers strong safety Kentrell Brice (29) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018, in Detroit. Rey Del Rio, AP
Oct 7, 2018; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions cornerback Teez Tabor (31) reacts after teammates recovered Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) fumble during the second quarter at Ford Field. Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) is sacked by Detroit Lions linebacker Christian Jones (52) during the Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions NFL game at Ford Field, Detroit, Sunday, October 7, 2018. RIck Wood, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) scores a td during the Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions NFL game at Ford Field, Detroit, Sunday, October 7, 2018. RIck Wood, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Green Bay Packers cornerback Josh Jackson (37)] shows is frustration after Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) scores a td during the Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions NFL game at Ford Field, Detroit, Sunday, October 7, 2018. RIck Wood, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) is sacked a second time during the Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions NFL game at Ford Field, Detroit, Sunday, October 7, 2018. RIck Wood, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
\f12\ eyes Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams (17) for a first down catch during the Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions NFL game at Ford Field, Detroit, Sunday, October 7, 2018. RIck Wood, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
during the Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions NFL game at Ford Field, Detroit, Sunday, October 7, 2018. RIck Wood, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones (33) picks up yardage during the Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions NFL game at Ford Field, Detroit, Sunday, October 7, 2018. RIck Wood, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Green Bay Packers kicker Mason Crosby (2) misses his second field goal during the Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions NFL game at Ford Field, Detroit, Sunday, October 7, 2018. RIck Wood, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Green Bay Packers kicker Mason Crosby (2) reacts after missing his third field goal attempt during the Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions NFL game at Ford Field, Detroit, Sunday, October 7, 2018. RIck Wood, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Oct 7, 2018; Detroit, MI, USA; Green Bay Packers kicker Mason Crosby (2) reacts to a third missed field goal during the second quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones (11), defended by Green Bay Packers cornerback Kevin King (20), catches an 8-yard pass for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018, in Detroit. Rey Del Rio, AP
Green Bay Packers tight end Jimmy Graham (80), defended by Detroit Lions strong safety Quandre Diggs (28), makes a catch during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018, in Detroit. Paul Sancya, AP
Green Bay Packers kicker Mason Crosby (2) walks off the field with teammate Hunter Bradley (43) after missing his third field goal of the day during the first half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018, in Detroit. Paul Sancya, AP
Green Bay Packers kicker Mason Crosby reacts after missing his third field goal of the day during the first half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018, in Detroit. Paul Sancya, AP
Green Bay Packers kicker Mason Crosby wipes his face on the bench after missing his third field goal of the day during the first half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018, in Detroit. Paul Sancya, AP
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) is sacked by Detroit Lions defensive end Romeo Okwara during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018, in Detroit. Paul Sancya/AP
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is the tackled by Detroit's Christian Jonesduring the first half at Ford Field on October 7, 2018 in Detroit. Leon Halip, Getty Images
Detroit Lions cornerback Jamal Agnew (39) reaches for the ball as Green Bay Packers cornerbacks Kevin King (20) and Tramon Williams (38) misplay the punt by the Lions during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018, in Detroit. Rey Del Rio/AP
Oct 7, 2018; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions running back LeGarrette Blount (29) rushes for a touchdown during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field. Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 7, 2018; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions linebacker Christian Jones (52) attempts to tackle Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) during the first quarter at Ford Field. Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 7, 2018; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) makes a catch during the first quarter against Green Bay Packers cornerback Josh Jackson (37) at Ford Field. Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 7, 2018; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) runs after a catch during the first quarter against Green Bay Packers cornerback Josh Jackson (37) at Ford Field. Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Green Bay Packers cornerback Kevin King (20) and linebacker Blake Martinez (50) close in on Detroit Lions running back Kerryon Johnson (33) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018, in Detroit. Carlos Osorio, AP
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers warms up before the Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions NFL game at Ford Field, Detroit, Sunday, October 7, 2018. Rick Wood/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Green Bay Packers offensive guard Justin McCray (64) warms up before the Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions NFL game at Ford Field, Detroit, Sunday, October 7, 2018. Rick Wood/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy watches over the warm up before the Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions NFL game at Ford Field, Detroit, Sunday, October 7, 2018. Rick Wood/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) hands off to Green Bay Packers running back Jamaal Williams (30) while warming up before the Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions NFL game at Ford Field, Detroit, Sunday, October 7, 2018. Rick Wood/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Jackie Powell, Milwaukee, cheers for the Packers before the Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions NFL game at Ford Field, Detroit, Sunday, October 7, 2018. Rick Wood/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Sisters Heather Sabin and Amanda Wojan, Gaylor, Michigan show their Packer support before the Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions NFL game at Ford Field, Detroit, Sunday, October 7, 2018. Rick Wood/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Al and Nancy Phillips and Shawna Lawson and Bill Lawson, from Ann Arbor, show their friendly rivalry before the Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions NFL game at Ford Field, Detroit, Sunday, October 7, 2018. Rick Wood/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) is sacked by Detroit Lions linebacker Christian Jones (52) during the Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions NFL game at Ford Field, Detroit, Sunday, October 7, 2018.(Photo: RIck Wood, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
DETROIT – The Green Bay Packers are in some early trouble.
It's not just that they're 2-2-1 after a poor performance in their 31-23 loss to NFC North Division rival Detroit, a game that wasn't as close as the score suggested.
The Packers have had bad starts before and rebounded. Think 2014, when after opening 1-2 Aaron Rodgers told everyone to R-E-L-A-X. Those Packers ended up playing in the NFC championship game.
They've also been in more dire straits, such as 2016, when they were 4-6 at one point. Rodgers said they'd run the table, and sure enough they did, all the way to the conference title game again.
But there were no admonitions or bold predictions Sunday. Not after Rodgers' and coach Mike McCarthy's offense put in another horrid first half, the third in five games this season, and coordinator Mike Pettine's defense, a week after pitching a shutout against Buffalo rookie Josh Allen, was battered and gashed when matched against a real NFL quarterback.
"Concerned is kind of a buzz word that's going to make a headline if I agree with you," Rodgers said when asked if he's concerned, "so I'm going to say I'm aware of where we're at and we have to play better, myself included. I got to start faster, like we've done over the years."
Watching the Packers through one-third of the 2018 season, you don't get the feel of a dangerous team in the making. Take that for what it's worth. NFL playoff history is littered with teams that advanced to or even won Super Bowls with .500 records far later in the season than this.
But you have to wonder where it's going to come from for these Packers. As has been the case going back to 2011, the offense has to carry this team. It has to get ahead early and keep the foot on the gas to cover up the chronic defensive shortcomings, starting with the lack of a pass rush.
But three times in five weeks now — Chicago and Washington were the others — Rodgers and McCarthy have put in abysmal first halves. Rodgers' injured left knee hasn't helped matters, but that's not the only issue, and neither was Sunday's absence of receivers Randall Cobb (hamstring) and Geronimo Allison (concussion).
"I've got to play better from the start," Rodgers said. "And I expect to, and I will and we've got to give our defense, you know, some more help."
One of Rodgers' great assets is turning bad plays into good ones by breaking the pocket and finding somebody downfield. McCarthy has even built those improvisations into his offense.
But off and on over the years it's been very much a double-edged sword, because things bog down when Rodgers too often passes up an open receiver early in hopes of finding something better later. The Lions, in fact, invited that by rushing only four, giving second and third efforts to chase him down when Rodgers moved around, and covering with seven or even sometimes eight players.
Twice the Lions strip-sacked Rodgers on extended plays in the first half that led directly to 10 big points and a 24-0 halftime deficit that was just too much to overcome.
"I had a couple real bad ones," Rodgers said.
Rodgers' final numbers looked good — he passed for 442 yards and a 108.0 rating — but he did not play well. Two lost fumbles don't show up in passer rating, but they surely change games just as much as interceptions. And as he has the last few weeks, he missed a couple big throws that could have changed the game, too.
"If I hit Davante (Adams) on that first drive he might score on a crossing route," Rodgers said.
Funny enough, even with their poor performance Sunday, the Packers could have been in this game if Mason Crosby had just made his kicks. Five misses (four field goals, one extra point), well, that was astounding.
You can't just add those 13 points to the score and say the Packers would have won, because Detroit would have played differently. If Matthew Stafford had needed another score or two, is there good reason to think the Lions quarterback wouldn't have gotten them against this defense?
Still, if Crosby makes his kicks, it's a different ballgame.
One of the problems the Packers face going forward is that unlike running the table in '16, for instance, they face a very challenging schedule. This was a game they needed for the "W" column against a division rival that's trying for a quick rebuild with a new coach.
This week the Packers are fortunate to be catching the Jimmy Garoppolo-less San Francisco 49ers, and then they have a bye to get healthy, which will be a godsend for Rodgers.
But after that they play at the best team in the NFC (Los Angeles Rams) and at the NFL's perennial power (Tom Brady's New England Patriots) in back-to-back road games on each coast. They also travel to one of the tougher venues in the league, Seattle, even if the Seahawks aren't the team they were a couple years ago. And they go to Minnesota and Chicago in the final six weeks of the season.
In any event, does anybody else feel a sense of déjà vu? The Packers, as they always seem to, struggle, scrimp and fight their way through the season, play horribly enough at times to look like they're going nowhere, only to manage to get into the playoffs because of their quarterback. There they eventually get bounced when they've run out of gas.
After Sunday's defeat, McCarthy and Rodgers said the things coaches and players always say after defeats, such as making corrections, moving on to the next game, and staying in the hunt. The Packers will do all those things, and they're surely stay in the hunt in an NFC North where early leader Chicago (3-1) is still highly suspect, and favorite Minnesota is in the same boat as the Packers (2-2-1).
But if you were waiting for the Packers to finally have a season where they look like a championship contender from start to finish, well, this isn't it. They're still just the most predictable team in the NFL.
Oct 7, 2018; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions cornerback Teez Tabor (31) reacts after teammates recovered Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) fumble during the second quarter at Ford Field. (Photo: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports)
More Packers-Lions coverage:
Box score | NFL scoreboard | Standings
SILVERSTEIN: Packers' difference-makers fail to deliver
Crosby's 'anomaly in life' leads to five misses in loss
Despite progress, Rodgers and rookie receivers can't connect enough
NOTES: Injuries again taking their toll at cornerback
INSIDER: Thumbs up to offensive line, down to special teams
QUICK TAKES: Lions 31, Packers 23
SUBMIT QUESTIONS: Monday postgame chat with Ryan Wood
REPLAY: Tom Silverstein's live game blog
SECTION: Visit packersnews.com for complete coverage
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