Matt Patricia, Lions prepare for first meeting with Packers' Aaron Rodgers

-- The Detroit Lions didn't have to meet their maker in both meetings with the Green Bay Packers last season.

They won't be so lucky this time around.

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers -- complete with the left knee injury that's lingered since the season opener -- will be mostly at full strength when the Packers enter Ford Field this Sunday. He's progressed every week and has looked more mobile in each game that passes, even participating in his first Thursday practice last week since suffering the injury.

But not being at 100 percent is no reason for Lions coach Matt Patricia to believe Rodgers won't be his usual self this weekend.

"He looks really good to me," Patricia told reporters via conference call on Wednesday. "He looks like he was moving around just fine. I think you can see it in the play."

Patricia hasn't schemed for a meeting with Rodgers since 2014 when he was the defensive coordinator of the New England Patriots traveling to Green Bay.

"I think he's probably in a position where he feels like he can do everything and maybe they were trying to limit him a little bit, but he doesn't look like he's limited at all. So, I'm sure he'll be ready to go."

The game could very well be out of Rodgers' hands if the Packers go with a run-heavy approach, which would be ideal considering the Lions rank at the bottom of the food chain in terms of rush defense.

The Packers ran the ball 32 times as a team in last week's shutout victory over the Buffalo Bills, and, despite the 22-0 win, Rodgers was vocal in his disdain for the shortcomings of the offense, calling the overall performance "terrible" and unacceptable for their standard of play.

"We have a huge challenge with [Aaron Rodgers]," Patricia said, according to Josh Tolentino of The Athletic. Last time Rodgers was in Detroit, he threw four touchdowns and helped seal the NFC North crown for the Packers in 2016.

"He does a great job extending plays. He's going to beat you one way or another. That's our big focus is trying to stop him and their offense."

Rodgers' last run-in with a Patricia-led squad -- that aforementioned meeting with the Patriots in 2014 -- saw him throw for 368 yards and a pair of touchdowns, essentially toying with a defense that won the Patriots a Super Bowl later that season.

"It’s a different type of preparation," Rodgers said after Wednesday's practice. "You have a base level when you play a division game because you play them twice a year -- I missed both games last year -- and then they change the scheme. So they’re playing differently on defense.

"Takes a little more time into it as you’re looking at different guys in different spots than you’ve seen. … We played coach Patricia in ’14 when he was D coordinator in New England, so we have a familiarity with that scheme, the folks that were here for that."

Rodgers has a higher completion percentage (66.9) in the month of October than any other month of the season (min. 200 attempts). He also has a higher passer rating (108.1) and highest yards per attempt (8.29) than any other month, as well as his 81 passing touchdowns being tied for the most in a single month with September.

Patricia already faced his former team and quarterback in the Patriots and Tom Brady two weeks ago, stomping them by two touchdowns in front of a national audience. Rodgers, however, is much more of a headache and an entirely different animal to scheme for. 

__________________________

Zachary Jacobson is a staff writer/reporter for Cheesehead TV. He's the voice of The Leap on iTunes and can be heard on The Scoop KLGR 1490 AM every Saturday morning. He's also a contributor on the Pack-A-Day Podcast. He can be found on Twitter via @ZachAJacobson or contacted through email at [email protected].

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Comments (55)

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TKWorldWide's picture

October 04, 2018 at 06:17 am

Aforementioned!
In addition, TK is pleased as punch to add that he is mostly at full strength as well. But El TK had no idea that it was Aaron who made the Lions. However, this time, 12 won’t rest on the 7th day. (On account of he’s gotta make it rain TD passes all day.)

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NickPerry's picture

October 04, 2018 at 06:37 am

I'd like to see Jones get at least 15 to 18 carries this week. McCarthy can rotate until the cows come home looking for the "Hot Hand" but if he gives Jones a chance, Jones will shine.

My BIG hope for this game is McCarthy the self proclaimed "Successful Head Coach" and our offensive guru finds a way to have Jones AND Montgomery on the field at the SAME time. Now IMO this would be something easy to do. Just put em both on the field but for whatever reason it's been difficult for Big Mike. Just imagine the possibilities with those 2 on the field with say Lewis, Adams, and Graham...

Get er done Mike..,.

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Royalty Free GM's picture

October 04, 2018 at 06:54 am

Are you suggesting something creative?

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NickPerry's picture

October 04, 2018 at 06:59 am

Absofrickinglutly!!

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Royalty Free GM's picture

October 04, 2018 at 07:15 am

Don’t give up the play calls here! ;)

“Absofrickinglutly!! Green 19 Set Hut!!!”

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TKWorldWide's picture

October 04, 2018 at 12:05 pm

Isn’t “absofrickinglutly” the new GM’s name??

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RCPackerFan's picture

October 04, 2018 at 07:35 am

Nick- you and I have been on the same page with this.

Get Jones and Montgomery on the field together. Create different looks and confuse defenses.

They should easily be able to do this. Montgomery can essentially play Cobb's role. Cobb has motioned to and from the backfield. It shouldn't be hard at all.

I really love the idea of having Adams, Graham and another player (Lewis or Allison) with Jones and Montgomery.
Rodgers talked about getting playmakers on the field and getting them the ball. Montgomery and Jones I consider playmakers. They are mismatch players.
If they come out with that personnel how will the defense play it? If they don't have enough CB's are they going to put a LB on Montgomery? Thats a mismatch. If they come out in a dime look, then can simply hand it off to Jones.
Either way they will create mismatches.

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Bearmeat's picture

October 04, 2018 at 08:11 am

Especially with the WRs banged up - this is the way to go. Run. The. Ball. With. Jones.

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dobber's picture

October 04, 2018 at 08:20 am

Yep. If Allison and Cobb are both out I think you see Monty play a lot and they try to run the ball a little more than normal. There are opportunities to exploit with #88 out of the backfield running routes.

Practice report is here:
https://www.packers.com/news/injury-report-week-5-packers-lions

Note that Graham never practices on Wednesday, but King was a full participant and Alexander practiced but was limited. I'm hopeful they'll have all hands on deck at DB for Sunday...I think they'll need them.

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SpudRapids's picture

October 04, 2018 at 10:17 am

I don't think installing major changes can be done at this point in time at the season. The coaching staff has limited time to go over an offensive game plan with the players due to the CBA. I think they spend their time attacking the weakness of the opposing defense with what offensive schemes they already have.

During the bye week they have time to do this but not now

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dobber's picture

October 04, 2018 at 10:29 am

I think there are a lot of pages in the playbook featuring plays they practiced in camp that are getting dusty. When you run a certain set and personnel group as much as the Packers do, even plays that other teams feature (but the Packers don't) can create issues for an opponent. I don't think we need to look for a change in philosophy: you're right, it's too late for that. We need a change in mindset and tendency.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

October 04, 2018 at 08:44 am

You might like this article on Monty and Jones playing together.

https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2018/10/2/17928028/mccarthy-montgomer...

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dobber's picture

October 04, 2018 at 01:14 pm

"The success or failure of the play isn’t really the point. Make the defense work, make them think, and give them looks to have in their minds."

My favorite line from the whole piece.

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DragonSilk's picture

October 04, 2018 at 01:57 pm

Jones is iffy to make it through the season with the carries he's getting. I'd like to see him get 25 to 30 carries a game but he'd only last a couple of games at most. McCarthy has the right idea. Keep him under 15 which will still make the defense bring a safety up when he's in the backfield.

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J0hn Denver's Gavel's picture

October 04, 2018 at 02:10 pm

11 personnel ONLY!

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flackcatcher's picture

October 04, 2018 at 06:40 am

Nice summing up Zach. Very bad news for the Lions. An angry Rodgers with a huge chip on his shoulder is an extremely dangerous football player.

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TKWorldWide's picture

October 04, 2018 at 09:00 pm

He’s a BAD MAN!

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chungo's picture

October 04, 2018 at 06:41 am

The buffoon will hold the team back again.

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Jonathan Spader's picture

October 04, 2018 at 01:22 pm

Don't be so hard on yourself Chungo. The Packers will be just fine without your support.

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TKWorldWide's picture

October 04, 2018 at 09:00 pm

Zing!!

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PAPackerbacker's picture

October 04, 2018 at 06:50 am

I think if the Packers can get a couple of rushing touchdowns in this game it will boost their confidence and give them a more positive outlook for the remainder of the season. If the running game is successful the passing game will do well. I hope the defense can repeat the performance of last weeks contest. To be successful against the Lions the Packers must be prepared to play 60 minutes of football. Start strong, remain strong, and end strong. Go! Pack! Go!

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Royalty Free GM's picture

October 04, 2018 at 07:08 am

I analysed everything and my conclusion is
... we will most certainly win, if Fackrell gets 3 or more sacks.

In-depth analysis: we will win, if Jones get 100+ yards from scrimmage.

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RCPackerFan's picture

October 04, 2018 at 07:15 am

This week we need to start seeing the offense coming together more.

First thing we need to see less dropped passes. Those plays are game changers. Way to many dropped passes.

I'd like to see them get the RB's more involved in the passing game. Not just screen passes. Not just check downs. Having them run actual routes. I'd like to see them run the wheel route more often.

Also they need to run the ball more. The Lions are not a great run defense right now. Jones could easily run for 100+ yards if given the ball enough.

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cuervo's picture

October 04, 2018 at 07:53 am

"Also they need to run the ball more. The Lions are not a great run defense right now. Jones could easily run for 100+ yards if given the ball enough."

And that is the $64 question......will MM do the sensible thing and give Jones
around 60% of the carries, Monty 30%, and Williams the 10% balance? Based on MM history, the answer will be no....but here's hoping.

Jones is Alvin Kamara, Dalvin Cook, Kareem Hunt....and he's simply not being used enough as a runner or in the passing game....time for the offensive guru MM to step up.

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dobber's picture

October 04, 2018 at 08:23 am

The only team that didn't 'feast' on the Lions run D so far is New England, and they're never a team you can count on to really try to run the ball. They were playing from behind for a large part of that game, too. I agree: they can't give up on the run on Sunday or fall behind enough to become one-dimensional. On the other side, I think the Lions want to jump out early on the Packers and try to play with a lead.

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Since'61's picture

October 04, 2018 at 07:49 am

As I posted on the previous thread. I'm not so sure that I would go run heavy early in this game because the Lions will likely be expecting that. Quick passes to our TEs and short passes to A. Jones and Monty in space to open up the Lions D for our running game. Keep the Lions off balance until we build up a 2 score lead or more.

Once we have a lead, go to the run game and rotate our 3 RBs to grind down the Lions and the clock.

Against Stafford our defense cannot afford to take a series or a quarter off. He usually plays well against the Packers and he can put up points. The Lions will be desperate not to drop to 1-4, which will mean their season is essentially over. Their offense will be a meaningful challenge for our young DBs. Hopefully Pettine will scheme some pressure to force Stafford into a few bad throws.

It's a division game. A win and we're looking real good for 4-1-1 come the bye week. Go PacK Go! Thanks, Since '61

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croatpackfan's picture

October 04, 2018 at 08:40 am

I like your Game Plan Since.

You mention that Matthew Stafford "usually plays well against the Packers and he can put up points." I presume you thought against Dom Capers D. We still have to see how Stafford will play against Mike Pettine D.

I believe initial Injury Report looks good for D. Kevin King is listed as Full participation and Jaire Alexander as Limited participation (Wednesday report does not contain Game Status). We can fairly expect that both will be available,and we saw against Vikings how Packers D is different animal when all top CB are healthy and playing...

I have high expectation for Packers D in this game...

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Since'61's picture

October 04, 2018 at 09:28 am

Croat - I agree Pettine's defense will be new to Stafford. We just need the defense to start fast, not slow like they have done against the Bears, Vikes and Skins. Hopefully the defense plays with a ton of confidence and picks up where they left off against the Bills. Thanks, Since '61

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stockholder's picture

October 04, 2018 at 11:41 am

Same game plan as the Bills. . The lions defense is bad up the middle. If A-rod tries to go against the CBs deep, he'll get picked! Rather than going heavy to the backs: The TEs must be used with short passes. Graham and Monty should be used more this game. I would put Adams in the slot more. Over- use of any player is a bad move. The Lions are still very good in the 4th quarter. A-Rod must follow MMs plan!

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4thand10's picture

October 04, 2018 at 04:40 pm

Absolutely, if Stafford gets hot and Tate is rolling our Packers will not be able to experiment more running plays. However, if the improved secondary can hold up its end of the bargain then by all means run. Game play dictates so much.

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Slim11's picture

October 04, 2018 at 08:20 am

How's this for getting play-makers on the field?

Inverted wishbone with Jones as the deep back, Williams and Montgomery in front of him with Graham at TE and Adams as the WR. I could see this creating some confusion for the Lions D.

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Since'61's picture

October 04, 2018 at 08:34 am

I like it. But I would put Lewis in the backfield with Willians to block for Jones with a pulling OL on a modern version of the old Packers Power Sweep. It might not create confusion but it would probably squash some of the Lions DBs. Thanks, Since '61

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Tundraboy's picture

October 04, 2018 at 03:07 pm

I like that!

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Tundraboy's picture

October 04, 2018 at 03:09 pm

.

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LambeauPlain's picture

October 04, 2018 at 09:17 am

Over the last 4 games, the Lions are the worst team in the NFL defending the run.

Given the thinned WR position, MM needs to get creative and use more 2 TE...especially Lewis and his great blocking....and 2 RBs. Jones & Monty, Jones & Williams, Williams and Monty.

Give Tonyan some snaps too. He's a better receiver than Kendricks who has the dropsies and Tonyan can block fairly well too.

Plow the road, establish the run, use play action to isolate Monty and the TEs over the middle...then strike deep to Adams or the rookies.

Run up tempo, some no huddle to get, and keep the Lions on their heels.

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cheesehead1's picture

October 04, 2018 at 09:28 am

Looking forward to see how our D performs against a good QB. Big test as Stafford usually shines against us.

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4thand1's picture

October 04, 2018 at 09:32 am

How about some creativity?

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Doug Niemczynski's picture

October 04, 2018 at 10:38 am

NFC Defensive Player of the Month

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Doug Niemczynski's picture

October 04, 2018 at 10:38 am

Khalil Mack

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Oppy's picture

October 04, 2018 at 10:42 am

Who cares?

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Royalty Free GM's picture

October 04, 2018 at 10:51 am

Offensive Rookie of the Month?

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Royalty Free GM's picture

October 04, 2018 at 10:52 am

Calvin Ridley

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4thand1's picture

October 04, 2018 at 01:07 pm

Thanks to Julio Jones. Atlanta has receivers up the wazoo.

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Skip greenBayless's picture

October 04, 2018 at 09:32 pm

But they have no defense it seems.

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dobber's picture

October 05, 2018 at 07:20 am

Their defense is as injury-ravaged as it gets at this point.

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Oppy's picture

October 05, 2018 at 01:25 pm

Who Cares?

Barry Sanders could have been a Packer, too. Look at how many Championships Sanders won the Lions. Look at how many he cost the Packers.

Time to put on the big boy britches and move forward with what we have. Shoulda-Coulda-Woulda doesn't do any good for anybody. One thing I can guarantee is that successful people and organizations don't hang on what wasn't, they focus on what is and what will be.

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Doug Niemczynski's picture

October 04, 2018 at 02:52 pm

I hope Gute...

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Oppy's picture

October 05, 2018 at 01:34 pm

Let's say Gutekunst stays up at night thinking about how he wishes the Raiders would have agreed to terms for Khalil Mack, and he watches Khalil Mack play well and he thinks, 'Boy I really screwed that up."

How does that help the Packers win games? Answer: It doesn't, it's a waste of energy. Get a grip and move forward. I'm pretty sure there's 23 teams that passed on Aaron Rodgers, and I know none of them beat themselves up about it every day for years on end. Same goes for the 198 combined times that 31 NFL teams didn't take Tom Brady.

It's rare that I think of life in terms of "winners" and "losers", but I can tell you with certainty that lamenting and brooding over the unchangeable past is not a winning mentality, it is a loser's mentality. It is literally a complete waste of time and energy and does absolutely nothing productive.

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PatrickGB's picture

October 04, 2018 at 11:48 am

“Bad against the run”? They faced Elliott. That’s tough for anybody. The Lions are better than their record. But they can be beat. Let’s face it AR is not himself. He is hurt and doing his best but not 100%. Our rookies need to be able to step up. And if they do we will win.

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Jonathan Spader's picture

October 04, 2018 at 04:57 pm

Week 1 they played the Jets Crowell is not Elliot.
Week 2 they played the 49ers Brieda is not Elliot.
Week 3 they played the Patriots Burkhead goes on IR White gets short passes that don't count as running the ball.

Detroit has sucked against average runners as well as Elliot. Jones is better than Crowell or Brieda. None of this matters if we don't adjust the playcalling in offense.

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dobber's picture

October 05, 2018 at 10:25 am

Yep. Everyone is eating against the Lions front 7. Packers should try to do the same. Chew clock, score TDs.

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Tundraboy's picture

October 04, 2018 at 03:05 pm

I like Patricia, maybe it's the Italian in me. Or maybe it's because he just doesn't seem to be as much of an as ass as other Lions coaches. All the same, I hope he doesn't do well. As far as this game goes, seems like the ideal approach would be to just run,run, run and a lot more of what we did in the first half last week. The threat of the pass will always be there. They certainly KNOW that Rodgers is capable of a Hail Mary type pass at any time. Looking forward to this game.

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Denise Chanterelle's picture

October 04, 2018 at 02:37 pm

I've had mixed feelings about the coaching of MM since actually after the 15 - 1 season, but the football regular season is still young so will reserve further judgement. Also, one of the scenarios put forth that I've heard is MM is holding back on Jones a bit for now in order to keep him fresh and lessen risk of injury, so he's 100% for later this season and not banged as he can be prone to. Dunno about that, but nonetheless one might give consideration to this strategy if it is indeed one. Go Pack, bury Detroit! Thank you.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

October 04, 2018 at 06:44 pm

So you've been reserving judgment since 2012?

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Tundraboy's picture

October 04, 2018 at 10:32 pm

Yes I suppose I have.

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