Detroit Lions: 3 ways to slow Aaron Rodgers in Week 2 vs. Packers

Following a fourth-quarter collapse against the Bears, Matt Patricia and his “predictable” Detroit Lions will travel to Green Bay for a matchup this weekend against Aaron Rodgers and the Packers.

Let’s be completely honest. After witnessing the vulnerability of the Detroit Lions defense last Sunday in a shocking loss to the Chicago Bears, anyone thinking there is multiple ways to keep Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers in check must be heavily-drinking all the Honolulu Blue Kool-Aid Matt Patricia can sell.

Rodgers announced his presence in the 2020 NFL season with authority last weekend on the road during a 43-34 victory over the Minnesota Vikings. From a passing standpoint, the eight-time Pro Bowl quarterback mobilized a full-scale blitzkrieg against the Minnesota defense.

During the entire game, the Vikings pass-rush was MIA and even failed to register a sack. Now, the Detroit Lions secondary is decimated with injuries and will face the daunting task of shutting down Rodgers on the road.

Anyone considering that to be a realistic possibility must also be buying Patricia’s Kool-Aid. Patricia has been trying to revert to his days with the New England Patriots, creating a laughable representation of himself to the media.

Here are three ways the Detroit Lions can hope to slow Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay passing attack during their Week 2 matchup:

Strategy #1: Play press-coverage against Green Bay’s receiving corps at the line

During the Packers’ Week 1 victory, Rodgers could get rid of the ball nearly a full second faster than any other quarterback averaged during a game in the NFL throughout the 2019 season.

Because of this, it’s not surprising that the Vikings’ defensive line was unable to register a sack during the game. According to Pro Football Focus, Rodgers was hitting his receivers in stride after holding the ball for only a mere 2.25-seconds on average.

Thus, making it nearly impossible even to promote the concept of pressuring the pocket against the most efficient passer in the history of the NFL.

By playing press-coverage at the line, Detroit’s Week 2 secondary of replacements will stand to improve their chances. This is possible by having the option to either jam and run against the likes of Davante Adams and company, or jump the route of a quick throw and hopefully defend or intercept one of Rodgers’ passes.