It seems as if Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers couldn't be coming into Sunday's divisional matchup against the Detroit Lions with any more confidence. Although star wide receiver Davante Adams has been ruled out, he is getting Jamaal Williams back into the fold to add to their imposing running game.
While last week's game against the Dallas Cowboys has the team riding high off of Aaron Jones' record-breaking performance, they must not lose focus on what lies ahead, a division rival in the Detroit Lions.
Here are three things to look out for when Rodgers takes the field Monday night.
3. Rodgers won't have to do it all himself
After seeing what running back Aaron Jones did last week, head coach Matt LaFleur will try and ride him for as long as he can. Rodgers will hand the ball off anywhere from 20-30 times between Jones and Williams.
Detroit will most likely be missing a defensive tackle in Mike Daniels, which will add to an already struggling run defense. While Rodgers is fully capable of putting the team on his back and throwing the ball 40 or more times, he won't have to as Green Bay will hit Detroit where they are the weakest.
2. Rodgers will go for over 300 yards
Again, they will be missing Adams for the second straight game, but that won't stop Rodgers from getting the passing game going. He will still have capable receivers around him against one of the worst pass defenses in the league. Detroit only sits above the Giants, Dolphins, and Buccaneers, teams that don't hold the same aspirations as the Lions this season.
With a running game that will be eating up yards, Rodgers will have plenty of opportunities to analyze the defense, see the open pockets, and use the play action to his advantage.
This week poses a much better opponent for Rodgers than a Dallas team that is in the top-10 in pass defense. Rodgers is cerebral and will pick apart Detroit's secondary at will.
1. Rodgers won't be afraid to use his legs
While Aaron Rodgers has never been considered a dual-threat quarterback, he is an athlete who can escape the pocket and pick up yards in needed situations. Detroit has given up an average of 6.8 yards per quarterback run. Many of those are not considered running signal-callers and Rodgers has been known to be a sneaky runner.
With a defense that will be concerned with the downfield pass and the running back dump-off, Rodgers will have plenty of room to pick up some yards with his feet. In Week 4, Rodgers was able to pick up 46 yards on only five attempts against the Eagles, who, like the Lions, struggle defending the pass.
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