The WR injury situation is certainly a wild card. A worst case scenario with the top 3 out, or Cobb/Allison out with Adams limping around creates obvious challenges. Under those scenarios, using some combination of more TEs, more RB throws or Montgomery out of the slot along with a collection of rookies with no demonstrated money game production or QB chemistry (MVS's 2 catches on 4 targets is the extent) curtails the downfield threat.
Detroit may be inclined to bring the safeties up under one of those scenarios with a heighted emphasis on defending the run, a Detroit weakness that may not then be so exploitable. Such an approach would also crowd the short-ti-intermidate passing lanes which might help their equally dismal pass defense to date based on QB-rating-against.
Under the injury scenarios, it would certainly be a test of game planing
and in-game adjustments even if Detoit "dares to play" single high safety
.
Regardless, this will be a good test of the Packer pass defense. Consider the passer-ratings-against in each of the first 4 weeks:
Trubisky: 77.2
Cousins: 118.8
Smith: 110.4
Allen: 36.3
There's a level of QB competition picture there. Is the secondary (and pass rush) finding it's footing at the time when identity emerges or was Allen a fluke in the schedule?
The noticable dent in Stafford's passer 92.5 passer rating is the 5 INTs. However, 4 came on opening day. Stafford's only been sacked 6 times so far, a very good number especially considering Stafford is not exactly mobile.
The weight of factors indicates a tough game on the road. Or to paraphrase BTO, any winning is good winning, you take what you can get, regardless of after-the-fact game plan or execution satisfaction.
