Detroit Lions 2016 Opponent Preview: Green Bay Packers
By Zac Snyder
After playing their home opener, the Detroit Lions head back on the road in week three for a game at the division rival Green Bay Packers.
The schedule makers did the Detroit Lions a favor by not sending them to Lambeau Field in December, but going to Green Bay as one of three road games in the first four games of the season is rough.
The Packers don’t make their return trip to Detroit until New Year’s Day when the teams meet in the regular season finale.
To check in on the Packers, I got together with Lombardi Ave‘s Ray Rivard. Below are my questions followed by his answers.
1. How would you assess the Packers’ offseason? Did they do what they needed to do through the draft and free agency?
Free agency and the Packers don’t necessarily go together in a single sentence (unless it applies to signing their own players), but when it comes to the draft and undrafted free agents, that’s where Packers GM Ted Thompson does his best work.
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This year was no different. Though many think that first-rounder Kenny Clark was a reach, Thompson had to do something with his defensive line. B.J. Raji took a year’s leave of absence and Mike Pennel was suspended for the first four games. While that puts a huge hole in the Packers’ D-line, the team wasn’t really set with those guys anyway, so adding Clark should help the team in the long run. Is he ready as a starter? We’ll see.
In addition, the Packers added to the offensive line, wide receiver corps and at inside and outside linebacker, so the overall look of the Packers will once again change… for the better.
2. Which rookie are you most excited to see play in 2016 and why?
Of course, Kenny Clark is the first answer, but I’m also excited to see WR Trevor Davis and linebacker Blake Martinez on the field. Jason Spriggs at left tackle is also an intriguing prospect who may find himself in the starting lineup come 2017 because the Packers have three O-linemen, including LT David Bakhtiari, who will be free agents.
3. What is the biggest question that still needs to be answered heading into training camp?
Two issues: How will the Packers do when they move Clay Matthews back outside to his natural position; and how will the wide receiver position shake out. There’s some deep talent and the Packers could keep up to seven WRs. It will also be very interesting to see how TE Jared Cook fits into the Packers’ system.
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4. What are your expectations for the Packers in 2016?
As always, the expectations are a Super Bowl title. With Aaron Rodgers under center, anything is possible. Realistically, I see the Packers with 12-13 wins. They will be in the hunt for the division title and will make the playoffs.
5. Right here, right now, are you marking down the games against the Lions as a win, loss or toss-up for the Packers?
Both the Packers and Lions have payback issues against one another. The Packers want to sweep the Lions this year because Detroit somehow won in Wisconsin last year. That hurt. However, the Lions are also still stinging from the Hail Mary win Aaron Rodgers, Richard Rodgers and the Packers put on them late last season. That play will never be forgotten – by everyone. I feel the Lions, without Calvin Johnson to lean on, is a much weaker opponent, but they are a divisional opponent and always a tough one. Should be an interesting matchup this coming season. In the end, I see the Packers sweeping the Lions.
Next: Checking in on the Tennessee Titans
For more on the Green Bay Packers, check out Lombardi Ave.