Detroit Lions 2015 Schedule Preview: Green Bay Packers
By Zac Snyder
The Detroit Lions will have to go through the Green Bay Packers if they are to win their first division title since 1993. They have a two-game winning streak over the Packers at home but are still looking for their first road win over the Packers since the 1991 season.
The Lions will be coming off their bye week when they travel to Green Bay to break that horrid streak in week ten. It’s the start of what could be a crucial stretch of games for the Lions’ playoff hopes as the next three are all at home, capped off with the Packers’ visit to Ford Field in week 13 for a rare non-Thanksgiving Thursday Night Football game in Detroit.
To check in on the Packers as they prepare to report to training camp, I got together with Ray Rivard, editor at Lombardi Ave. Below are my questions followed by his responses.
1. How would you assess the team’s offseason? Did they do what they needed to do through the draft and free agency?
"The Packers and their general manager Ted Thompson did what they needed to do and what they always do: Re-sign their own players. Not only did the Packers bring Randall Cobb back to Green Bay for much less than other teams were offering, but they also re-signed right offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga – the top tackle in last spring’s free agency. With those moves and others, the Packers have positioned themselves to be just as potent on the offensive side of the ball – giving Aaron Rodgers the weapons he needs to make things happen again in 2015."
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2. Which rookie are you most excited to see play in 2015 and why?
"I really like the defensive backs – Damarious Randall and Quinten Rollins – that the Packers took in the first two rounds, but it’s linebacker Jake Ryan out of Michigan who is going to have my eye. With inside linebacker a huge question mark for the Packers as they head into camp, Ryan will be the one who will be watched closely. Whether he’s ready for prime time immediately will be a question everyone will ask. It will be up to Ryan to show us. He’s an intriguing prospect – a blue collar player who could give the Packers exactly what they need inside."
3. What is the biggest question that still needs to be answered heading into training camp?
"Inside linebacker. The Packers broke ties with A.J. Hawk and Brad Jones and now have a huge hole to fill inside. The battle for that position will be very interesting to watch. In addition, the Packers let both cornerbacks Davon House and Tramon Williams walk in free agency, so filling those holes will also be interesting to watch. In all, the defense has to improve over 2014. filling those key positions will go a long way in determining just how successful the Packers’ defense is in 2015."
4. What are your expectations for the team in 2015?
"Packers fans go into every season thinking Super Bowl, but with the powerhouse offense they have coming back and a defense that caught fire at the end of last season, the Packers look poised to do a lot of damage across the NFL. The big question mark will be the play of the special teams. If the team can clean up that area, the sky’s the limit. I have the Packers pegged for at least 12 wins in 2015. If they can get 13 or 14, they could qualify for home field throughout the playoffs. It will be interesting to watch unfold."
5. Right here, right now, are you marking down the game against the Lions as a win, loss or toss-up?
"The Lions are always really tough, whether it’s at Green Bay or in Detroit. However, the Packers, for the most part, have had the Lions’ number. I think that will again be the case in 2015. A split with the Lions could once again be the case, but a sweep by the Packers would, of course, position them well to once again win the NFC North Division. I see the Packers winning easily at Lambeau Field, but am always leery of playing the Lions on the road. So many times it doesn’t go as planned. That all said, I am going to stick with the notion that the Packers pull off a sweep of the Lions in 2015. As for circling this game on the calendar … the Lions are always a formidable opponent and one that continues to define the history between the two iconic NFL franchises."
For more on the Packers, check out Lomardi Ave.
Next: Lions 2015 Schedule Preview: Chiefs