Week 4 was a disaster for the Green Bay Packers. They hosted the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field on Thursday Night Football and had their doors blown off in a 34-20 rout. The Packers did hold an early lead in the game, as they scored the first points on an Anders Carlson field goal.
But, before you could blink, the lead was gone and Green Bay was being blitzed. The Lions gained 196 total yards in the first quarter alone, scoring on four straight possessions and five out of their next six to open up a 27-3 lead at halftime.
The Packers were unable to replicate the magic they had in Week 3, coming back from 17-0 in the fourth quarter to beat the New Orleans Saints 18-17. Not enough went right for a miraculous comeback to occur a second game in a row.
It was a very disappointing overall performance as some players really struggled. Here are the five lowest-graded Packers players from their Week 4 matchup against the Lions.
5. WR Dontayvion Wicks
Dontayvion Wicks filled in admirably the first few weeks of the season with Christian Watson sidelined. He played well enough to earn an every-week role, even if it was scaled back from what he received the first three weeks of the season.
On Thursday against the Lions, the fifth-round rookie was pretty much just running sprints. He ran 24 routes but was targeted only once without a reception. His 51.4 overall grade was the second lowest among offensive players and he had a 51.5 receiving grade.
However, Wicks did have the fourth-highest run-blocking grade with a 60.0. Performing in that facet of the game will keep him involved in the game plan.
4. CB Keisean Nixon
There is no denying that Keisean Nixon can have a major impact on the Packers. But, his success as a special team return man does not translate directly to the defensive side of the ball, which the team has learned the hard way.
Nixon has been picked on regularly as opponents have game-planned to attack the middle of the field against Green Bay. He struggled mightily against the Lions, receiving a coverage grade of 46.8, allowing four receptions for 30 yards and two first downs. He was also credited with two missed tackles.
If he doesn’t show improvements soon, Green Bay is going to have to consider making some changes to their lineup.
3. OLB Kingsley Enagbare
With Rashan Gary still not playing a full allotment of snaps, the Packers are relying on players such as Kingsley Enagbare to play a prominent role defensively. Against the Lions, he didn’t offer the team much in the way of production.
He played 30 snaps and had underwhelming grades across the board, earning a 46.4 overall. Enagbare didn’t record a single pressure with the third-lowest run-defense grade on the team. If he doesn’t become more productive, his playing time will be cut back drastically once Gary can handle more snaps.
2. OLB Lukas Van Ness
Week 4 was by far the worst game that rookie pass rusher Lukas Van Ness had. His 46.1 overall defensive grade was the lowest on the team this week and of his career to this point as he struggled in every facet of the game.
Despite playing a career-high 37 snaps, he didn’t record a single pressure on 11 pass-rushing snaps. His run defense wasn’t very strong either, leading to a disappointing game overall. Van Ness wasn’t in coverage much, but when he was, he struggled there, too.
1. OG Royce Newman
The Packers’ offensive line has been hit hard by injuries. Left tackle David Bakhtiari and left guard Elgton Jenkins have both missed multiple games. Zach Tom and Jon Runyan Jr. have both battled ailments.
Royce Newman has stepped into the lineup for Jenkins, but if he doesn’t show improvement soon, he could return to the bench. He was the lowest-graded player on the team in Week 4, receiving a 42.7 overall.
In his two weeks as a starter, Newman has recorded his two worst grades of the season. There weren’t any positives to take away from his performance against the Lions as he gave up five total pressures, including one sack and one more hit on Jordan Love. His run-blocking grade was the lowest on the team as well as better performance is needed or a lineup change will be made.
