If there's one flaw to pick at with the Detroit Lions' defensive line this season, it's that they haven't been all at dominant as a run-stopping unit compared to their pass rush. While they're getting to the quarterback and winning a lot of their battles up front this year, they've lacked the same firepower when looking to stop opponents' rushing.
So far this season, they're averaging 107 rushing yards allowed per game, which is actually a good clip. But, they're also posting a 29 percent success rate against the run, good for 17th in the league. So, not the worst, but not the best run defense, either.
With news of Josh Jacobs' return to the Green Bay Packers' active roster this week, the Lions will suddenly face the test of a revitalized Packers run game in a critical NFC North matchup.
Lions' defense needs strong start vs. Jacobs, Packers in Week 7
A huge key to this game will be getting Jordan Love as uncomfortable as possible against the Lions' pass rush. Getting him to rush his passes will at least give Detroit's secondary a fighting chance at securing 50-50 balls, although Love is no statue in the pocket. He has scrambling ability, but even forcing him to do that means a win for the Lions' defense against the pass.
READ MORE: 3 Lions that could have a tough time against Packers in Week 7
However, the Packers have been overly-reliant on their passing game with how horrible their rush has been. They're at the bottom of the league in total rushing yards per game and average rushing yards per game as a team, so they're desperate to get Jacobs back. Love also hinted on Thursday that Jacobs is going to be thrown into the fire on Sunday (h/t The Athletic's Matt Schneidman):
“We’ll give Josh as many touches as he needs, try to get him rolling,” Love said. “Obviously first game back for him. He’s missed a lot of time, so it’s one of those things — we’ll see.”
Packers' offensive line may be Lions' best defense
One thing that Detroit has going for them in this contest against Green Bay's new-look run game is how bad their offensive line has been this season. While they have actually gotten success with run-blocking this season to the tune of a 73 percent success rate on that front, they've been pressured and picked apart relentlessly.
That makes it difficult for any team to establish their ground attack, so don't be surprised if the Lions don't face all that much resistance when looking to get to Jacobs. He's also hitting the ground cold, and while he has fresh legs on his side, he also still needs to get back into an in-game rhythm with himself, Love, and the offensive line.
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