Here are three observations after a second viewing and a night to ponder the Detroit Lions’ 20-17 victory over the Green Bay Packers.
Critical rebound
Detroit’s secondary deserved every ounce of criticism it received the first month of the season. They struggled with their zone rules and weren’t holding up in man-to-man situations.
Within that, perhaps the most disappointing component during the opening stretch was the play of cornerback DJ Reed. The veteran — signed in the wake of Carlton Davis III’s free agency departure — wasn’t living up to his reputation or contract at a time when the Lions desperately needed reliability in the back end.
In the opener, Reed surrendered a couple of deep shots to Chris Olave, allowing the Saints to claw back into the game. Against the Jets in Week 3, it was Garrett Wilson who got the best of Reed down the stretch, forcing a defensive pass interference call and hauling in a touchdown.
The following week, Reed gave up another long touchdown when Tetairoa McMillan beat the defender on a double-move as part of a 192-yard career day for the young receiver.
Reed’s shaky execution was further marred by multiple injuries. He missed time with foot and rib issues, then caught a nasty bug ahead of the team’s Week 5 game against Arizona. But he’s pushed through, the way he has throughout his career, and appears to be coming out the other side of the valley looking more like the player the Lions expected and need.