If the Green Bay Packers' offense continues to look the way it did in the first half on Sunday afternoon against the Detroit Lions, fans can officially calm down and start feeling better about that unit. After appearing mediocre at best over the first two games of the season (to say nothing of the second half of last year), the passing game rebounded with a vengeance on a sunny day in Green Bay.
Aaron Rodgers' four touchdowns in the first 30 minutes were the highlights, but it was the overall look and feel of the unit that should have fans excited for more after the bye week. Rodgers looked comfortable in the pocket and executed more quick passing concepts than at any point over the past year; that led to a stat line at halftime of 12/18 for 174 yards and four scores.
Meanwhile, the defense continued to struggle in pass coverage, but Dom Capers has a new star in the making to scheme around. Nick Perry is on a one-year contract this season, and he is playing at a Pro Bowl level right now, which could make for a tough decision in free agency next year.
Here's a look back through other media sources at the Packers' 34-27 win.
Packers' timing couldn't have been better | Packers.com
Early on, the Packers' offense looked like its old self. Aaron Rodgers was throwing in rhythm and hitting more quick passes on three-step drops, and that led to four first-half touchdowns.
Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers bounce back against Detroit Lions - ESPN
Will the bye week slow down the Packers' momentum on offense that they built up in the first half? Nobody in the locker room seems to think so, and the receivers in particular are excited to look like they are back to their old selves.
Perry's big day propels Packers | Packersnews.com
No Clay Matthews or Datone Jones? No problem for a Packers defense that was led by fifth-year linebacker Nick Perry. He was on the field for 75% of the defensive snaps and made them count, recording seven tackles with two sacks and a pass breakup.
DET-GB Grades: Packers hold Lions off late | PFF
Believe it or not, LaDarius Gunter got the highest grade of any Packers player, with Nick Perry tying for fourth among all Green Bay players.
Lions commit the biggest pass interference penalty in at least 15 years - SBNation.com
This play came on a nine route by speedster Trevor Davis, who was tripped up near the goal line. The 66-yard penalty beat the old record by a full six yards, and is an example of Aaron Rodgers' ridiculous deep ball.
Packers aim to showcase speed of Ty Montgomery, Trevor Davis - NFL.com
Davis certainly got an increase in snap count this week, which we'll break down in a bit, and it was one of these packages that led to that big penalty.