National Football League

Packers vs Lions: Offensive and Defensive Players of the Game

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The Green Bay Packers opened their home schedule at Lambeau Field Sunday with an impressive 34-27 win against the Detroit Lions.

Though the final score was closer than Packers fans would have liked, a win is a win in the National Football League.

The win raised the Packers record to 2-1 where they still reside in second place in the NFC North because of their loss in Week 2 to the Minnesota Vikings.

That said, we’ve taken a closer look at the game’s best performances and have come up with a player on both sides of the ball and named them this week’s most valuable.

Read on for our choices …

Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford is sacked by Green Bay Packers linebacker Nick Perry in the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Nick Perry: Defensive player of the game

Outside linebacker Nick Perry had a career-high and game-high seven tackles. He also accounted for two sacks of Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford and one knockdown.

Perry now leads the team with sacks at 3.5.

When asked about Perry’s production, fellow 20012 draftee and defensive mate, Mike Daniels said, “I’ve always said if Nick can stay healthy, he was going to kick some tail and you can see it.”

We know that Matthew Stafford knows who he is now.

Moving on, we’ll take a look at this week’s offensive player of the game …

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson rushes with the football after catching a pass as Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay defends during the second quarter at Lambeau Field. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Jordy Nelson: Offensive player of the game

We know that Aaron Rodgers missed him. We know Coach McCarthy missed him. We know all the Packers faithful missed him.

After he got hurt during a preseason game last preseason, Jordy Nelson missed the entire year and the explosive Packers offense missed him.

After kicking off the rust in Week 1 versus Jacksonville and facing a stout Vikings defense last week, Nelson rose to the occasion Sunday. He reclaimed his status as QB Aaron Rodgers’ favorite target.

Jordy Nelson. Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Nelson had a banner first half as the Packers offense looked like the offense of old. By the end of the day Nelson hauled in six passes for 101 yards and had two touchdowns.

No other Packer had more than two catches during the game. He caught quick slants, out routes, deep fly and post routes.

It is safe to say that Aaron Rodgers is glad to have his favorite target back. Nelson having big receptions will only help the rest of the receivers on the team.

If the Packers want to fight for a playoff spot this year they will need players like Perry and Nelson to play a lot like they did against Detroit on Sunday.