Packers Lions Preview

Posted by Mark Daniels on

Here we go again.  The Packers embark on a month of rematches by hosting the Detroit Lions under the lights, and possibly the snow at Lambeau Field this Sunday night, 21 days after they rallied late to beat them at Ford Field 24-20.  The round two division contests with the Bears and Vikings will be sandwiched around a visit from the Tennessee Titans just before Christmas to wrap up a regular season that could culminate with an NFC North Division title, playoff berth and maybe even a number two seed in the conference.  First things first.  It will be an angry bunch of cats coming to town. Detroit's encore to a playoff season has gone south quickly, losing four straight, three in a row in heartbreaking fashion all at home.  The Packers got 'em in the final minute, the Texans spoiled Thanksgiving in overtime and Andrew Luck beat 'em on the game's final play last Sunday sending Detroit to a 4-8 record.  I don't believe they're ready to run up the white flag just yet.  They'd like nothing more than to derail the Packer division hopes and bring to an end the embarrassing 20 year losing streak in Wisconsin.  Much like last week, the Packers must deal with the NFL's best.  Against the Vikings, it was running back Adrian Peterson, with the Lions, it's Calvin Johnson.   The defense will concede plays to the superstar and while Peterson hurt the Pack last week with 210 yards on the ground, he didn't kill them.  Last New Year's Day, Johnson racked up 244 yards receiving, he hurt 'em, but didn't kill 'em as Matt Flynn had his heroic day in the 45-41 shootout.   Because of injury, Johnson is the only true downfield threat for Detroit.  Nate Burleson, Ryan Broyles and Titus Young are all done and the remaining wideouts on the roster, Mike Thomas, Kris Durham, Kassim Osgood and Brian Robiske have a combined three receptions on the year, all belonging to Thomas.  Megatron has 86 by himself for a league leading 1428 yards.  Sure there's Brandon Pettigrew and Tony Scheffler at tight end and so-so Mikel LeShoure in the backfield but the Packers have only one serious threat to conern themselves with.  That won't be the case with the Detroit defense.  The front four can be nightmarish with pressure and Aaron Rodgers may have rookie Don Barclay starting at right tackle.  If the line can hold up and Rodgers gets it out quick, plays will be made and yards will pile up against a secondary that hasn't slowed anyone of late.  Alex Green can be a big help with a run game that has to at least keep the linebackers honest if not busy and draw a safety into the box.  Last month, the Packers bungled several scoring chances, especially late in the first half when Rodgers threw an ill-advised pick and Mason Crosby had two cracks at a 50 yard field goal with an icing timeout, and missed them both.  But with second half adjustments in the pass blocking, the offense got it done when they had to.  The defense gave up some big shots to Johnson but stiffened in the red zone twice to keep the high scoring Lions down.  The weather could slow both teams down.  The forecast is calling for rain in the afternoon, turning to snow by kickoff and there's a chance it could accumulate to the tune of a couple of inches.   A powdered covered tundra, perfect to extend the Pack's home field dominance over the Lions for a 21st year.  I like the Pack 27-21 and hopefully it won't take a late touchdown to win it.  On the link below, comments from Mike McCarthy and the guys on the showdown with Motown.

Packers vs Lions at Lambeau

Comments