The Detroit Lions are looking to beat their division rival for a second-straight win
Since firing former head coach Matt Patricia, the Detroit Lions look like a brand new team with the players feeling freer and having more fun. They will look to continue their newfound freedom for the second straight week as they take on arguably their most fierce rival in the Green Bay Packers.
This article will tackle the matchup history, what occurred in the Lions, Packers’ previous matchup, what to watch for, what the Lions need to do to win, and a prediction.
Matchup history
There’s no other team in the league that the Lions have faced more times than the Packers. They’ve faced off a total of 181 times including twice in the postseason with the Packers taking the all-time record of 103-72-7 with Green Bay taking the past three.
Last matchup
The Lions got blown out by the Packers with a score of 42-21 at Lambeau Field. Quarterback Matthew Stafford was 20 for 33 with 244 yards, two touchdown passes, and an interception.
Running back Kerryon Johnson only rushed for 32 yards on eight attempts but did get a rushing touchdown. Wide receivers Marvin Hall and Marvin Jones Jr. were both found in the end zone with the former being the only catch he got all day.
Rookie cornerback Jeff Okudah led the team in tackles with seven in which they were all solo. Kicker Matt Prater missed a field goal attempt.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers completed 18 passes for 240 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Aaron Jones rushed for a whopping 168 yards on 18 carries with two rushing touchdowns. He also led the Packers in the receiving department with 68 yards on four catches and a touchdown.
Linebacker Christian Kirksey led his team in tackles by far with 12 (nine solo). Kicker Mason Crosby made two field goals with his longest one being 43 yards.
What to watch for
Will Jones have another big game as he had in Week 2? If they can slow him down, will they be able to stop the passing attack? Would they be able to contain wide receiver Davante Adams if the Packers rely more on the ground attack?
Also, who’s going to cover Adams? Okudah who has high upside but hasn’t necessarily shown it yet, or cornerback Armani Oruwariye who’s arguably been the best player in the Lions’ secondary this season?
Keys to the game/What the Lions need to do to win
The biggest thing will be stopping Jones. As the Lions’ run-stopping unit is poor and the fact that Jones had a huge game last time around, the Packers may heavily rely on him to control their offensive game plan.
The cornerbacks will have to stick with their man tightly as Rodgers is one of the best quarterbacks in the league and doesn’t miss his targets a lot.
Prediction
As many observed and even the players stated themselves, they had the ability to have more fun and play in a looser manner with Patricia gone. They will have the freedom to be themselves again this week but that also comes against a much stronger opponent than the Bears are in the Packers.
Aaron Jones will have another big game although not to the extent he did in Week 2 and Davante Adams will be more involved. This will cause trouble for the Detroit Lions’ defense, which they won’t be able to contain. Final score: Packers 34, Lions 17