Detroit Lions Week 3 Opponent Preview: Green Bay Packers
Last week the Detroit Lions went down 24-7 to the Carolina Panthers, raising many questions about this Lion team.
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However there is no time for Detroit to feel bad for themselves as their rival, the Green Bay Packers, come to Ford Field.
The Packers, have had their own problems thus far, losing by 20 to the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks. Then barely getting by the New York Jets.
Offense Is The Strength Of The Green Bay Packers
Nonetheless, the Packers have been of the NFL’s best teams in recent years. Aaron Rodgers is one of the best quarterbacks in the game and his plenty of weapons to throw the ball too. Jordy Nelson had over 200 yards last week. Nelson will look to continue that success against a weak Lion’s defensive backfield.
Lets not forget about the running game. Eddie Lacy is a very talented running back who saw limited carries against the Jets because of his concussion in week 1. But you can expect to see him carry the ball more than he has in week 1 and 2.
If you have to pick a weak spot in the Packers offense, it would be the offensive line. This is the 3rd week in a row the Lions will face an o-line that is less than average and the key again will be to bring the pressure and get after Aaron Rodgers. The Lion’s had 3.5 sacks against Cam Newton last week and should be able put pressure on Rodgers.
The Detroit Lions defense is quietly 2nd in the league when it comes to yards per game. They will face a great test this week.
Packers Defense A Liability?
The Packer defense struggled in 2013 ranking 25th for yards per game. While that is last season, the packers have struggled again in stopping the run. Giving up 146 yards to the Jets, and 207 to the Seahawks. Joique Bell and Reggie Bush should be able to keep the trend going.
The Green Bay Packers also had a hard time against the pass last season. They’ve looked better this year but are yet to face a team that loves to throw the ball like the Lions do. Calvin Johnson, Golden Tate, and Matthew Stafford could all be in for big games.
Prediction:
In a game between two teams that expect to compete in the NFC North, Lions win a high scoring one;
Lions 34, Packers 31
I don’t plan on picking the Lions every week. The Lions very much have the talent to split the season series with the Packers, it’s safe to say they have a better chance of winning at Ford Field than they do in Lambeau Field.