Cheese Curds, 9/20: Packers must convert talk about run game into production

After seeing their team’s horrendous week one performance, fans of the Green Bay Packers have had to wait an extra day to see the team’s response. Tonight, the Packers finally take the field for week two in a Monday night game against the Detroit Lions as fans, players, and coaches alike eagerly await the chance to begin atoning for a humbling loss to the Saints last Sunday.

The run game, both establishing and stopping it, was a primary reason for the Packers’ downfall a week ago. Not surprisingly, that storyline will take center stage this evening as the Lions — a team with essentially no wide receivers of note — will look to try to get D’Andre Swift and old friend Jamaal Williams going on the ground.

The Packers, however, have their own 1-2 punch with Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon. Last year in week two against the Lions, Jones had his most explosive running day of the season, taking 18 carries for 168 yards and two scores. Anything close to that tonight should be a great sign for the Packers as a whole, as that kind of production should open up opportunities for Aaron Rodgers and the passing game.

Tune in tonight to see if Jones and company do indeed get the Packers’ offense back on track.

Packers look to reestablish their groove on the ground | Packers.com
That must be the case on both sides of the ball. The offense must get moving on the ground to keep the Detroit defense out of two-high safety looks, while the defense cannot get blown off the ball with regularity by an offense that wants to operate through its running backs.

Aaron Rodgers' MNF legacy: Win No. 1, an epic comeback, a broken collarbone and more - ESPN
Rodgers might be playing his last Monday night game as a Packer, and there have been plenty of fun memories in such games. His first win came in week one of 2008 over the Vikings on MNF, and the Packers have won seven straight Monday night games dating back to 2014.

Packers vs. Lions: 3 key matchups to watch in Week 2 | Packers Wire
Preston Smith vs. Penei Sewell is one of the top matchups, as the Packers need Smith to step up in the absence of Za'Darius Smith.

Packers-Lions preview: Can Aaron Rodgers bounce back after a disastrous opener? – The Athletic (subscription)
This back-and-forth between Packers and Lions beat writers sets up tonight's game nicely.

Packers OLB Jonathan Garvin Gets Opportunity with Za'Darius Smith on Injured Reserve - Sports Illustrated
With Z out for a few weeks, Garvin should get a longer run on defense. He played 27 snaps in the opener and should be OLB3 behind Preston and Rashan Gary.

Ind. man jailed for calling 911 over and over to say he was ‘tired’ | EMS1.com
Look, I'm tired too, pretty much all the time. That's probably a result of *gestures to everything*. It's no reason to call the cops though.