The Green Bay Packers are heading into Thursday night in desperate need of a win. Losing grip on the NFC North, the Packers are set to play a Detroit Lions team that has plenty of confidence heading into the Week 13 game after their Thanksgiving win. According to Randall Cobb, this game will test a lot of player's character after Aaron Rodgers made public statements about the team's struggles. Cobb along with Eddie Lacy hope to be the needed spark.
The Packers' offense is simply not what it was a year ago. The team simply seems out of sync at this point in the season. That could be blamed on injuries to players like Jordy Nelson and Ty Montgomery, but regardless the Packers need improvement. According to Cobb, mistakes by players are plaguing the team as he wants to do more for the offense, but cannot if he is not getting any help.
I can only control what I can control, and that's trying to beat whatever coverage they're playing," Cobb said, via ESPN.com. "Would it be easier if I went outside? We haven't done that enough to see. So I don't know what that is."
Cobb has been fighting double teams for most of the season with Nelson out. Head coach Mike McCarthy noted that the team needed to lean on the receiver, but it is not easy when Davante Adams is dropping passes and James Jones is inconsistent at best. According to ESPN.com, Andrew Quarless could be active for this game against the Lions which should help while Jared Abbrederis is also expected to be healthy.
One thing the Packers must do on Thursday is run the ball better. Over the past two games Eddie Lacy has seen a nice return to form, but fumbles have ended any progress he has made. According to ESPN.com, Lacy is expected to get the start over James Starks, but the two running backs could see an even split of carries as the Packers hope to be effective on the ground. Lacy has enjoyed more carries in the offense, but understands the fumbles must go.
"You can always do better," Lacy said, via the team website. "I had the fumble. As a ball carrier, that's what you don't want, especially when it turns into points for the other team. It's something that you have to put in the back of your mind, because you don't want that to slow you down for the rest of the season. I think my season has been a bit of a roller-coaster. It's starting to level out."
The Lions are not overlooking the Packers simply because of their recent struggles. With Rodgers under center, anything is always possible. If Green Bay can get Lacy moving, the passing game will follow if receivers can hold on to the ball.
