Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions: 5 Halftime Adjustments Packers Must Make

The Green Bay Packers haven't played like their undefeated record would suggest.  Luckily for the Pack, a batted pass inside the Lions red zone was intercepted by Clay Matthews.  

That pick led to the lone to touchdown of the first half.

The Detroit Lions have done their fair share of helping out the Packers.  They've continued to struggle on third down and penalties have halted several of their drives.  One drive, already in field goal position, was sent in reverse and the Lions ultimately punted it away.

Be Wary of Lions Adjustments

The Detroit Lions have been known to make excellent halftime adjustments throughout the season.

These adjustments have led to several come from behind victories from significant deficits heading into half-time.

Basically, the Packers should not get lulled to sleep.  Their coverage needs to stay focused on Calvin Johnson, as he can explode at any given moment.

Contain Kevin Smith

Whether it's out of the backfield carrying the ball, running routes or on swing/screen passes, the Green Bay Packers need to find a way to account for Detroit Lions running back Kevin Smith.

Smith, a former Detroit Lion, was signed off the street last week due to an injury depleted backfield.

He doesn't seem to have lost a step and is playing with a chip on his shoulder.

Get to Stafford When Sending Pressure

The Green Bay Packers sent pressure early and often in the first half of this Thanksgiving Day clash.  The only sack they recorded, though, was recinded because of an accepted penalty against the Lions.

Stafford has been able to find underneath receivers because of the Packers'  frequent use of a man-coverage scheme.

He's also escaped on a couple occassions including an impressive 20-yard scramble in the second quarter.

Pick Up Blitzes

The Detroit Lions have seemingly confused the Green Bay Packers offensive line with delayed blitzes in the first half.  It has shown in Aaron Rodgers' less than spectacular play thus far.

The Lions defensive front is very talented and will continue to challenge and press the Packers line in order to prevent the explosive Packers offense from taking flight.

Execute Better, or at All, on Third Down

The usually efficient and well oiled Green Bay Packer offense has been horrific on third down in the first-half.  They started 0-2 in the first quarter and have not done much better to this point.  A pass interference call after a failed conversion seemed to spark the Packers in the second quarter.

If the Pack hopes to remain undefeated, Mike McCarthy and company need to get creative on earlier downs to put Rodgers and their offense in a better position to secure first downs.  This includes running James Starks more strategically and more in general.

A couple shots downfield might help matters as well.  The uncharacteristic dink-and-dunk offense the Packers have employed in the first half is not putting points on the scoreboard in typical Packers fashion.