Dec 9, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Alex Green (20) rushes with the football during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The Green Bay Packers defeated the Detroit Lions tonight 27-20, an ugly win that put the Packers a full game ahead of the Chicago Bears for the NFC North Division lead.

Utilizing a solid running game and just enough big plays, many them by Randall Cobb, the Packers overcame a 14-0 deficit and a dominant performance by the Lions in the first half to take over the game in the second half when they scored 17 points. Cobb caught seven passes for 102 yards to lead the Packers and though Calvin “Megatron” Johnson caught 10 passes for 118 yards they kept him out of the end zone and contained him for the most part.

The Packers’ win tonight sets up a huge showdown with the Chicago Bears next week in Chicago. With a win, the Packers would clinch the division title. A loss would put the Packers and Bears in a tie for the lead.

Here is a play by play from the Packers versus Lions at Lambeau Field.

Packers kick off

LeShoure for 4

Second and 6 LeShoure for 1

Third and 5 pass to Calvin Johson for 10 firat down

Frist and 10 from the 35, pass to Chris Durham for 5

Second and 5 from Lions 40, LeShoure for 10

First and 10 from thje Lions 48, handoff to LeShoure for no gain

Second and 10, Packers called offside

Second and 5, Bell for 11 off left tackle

First and 10 from the Packers 35, Stafford to Johnson – offside Packers and pass interference by Johnson offset

First and 10, Stafford with the block on a reverse for 22 yards

First and 10 from the 13, inside handoff to LeShoure to the 10

Second and 5 from the 9, Stafford pass to Stephan Logan to the 5,

Third and 1, from the 3, Stafford hands off ot LeShoure up the middle

Fourth and 1, Lions go for it – Stafford under center runs bootleg and runs it in for the TD

57 yards on that drive picked up on the ground

Stafford 3-3 for 17 yards

Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards in 7:44

Lions 7 Packers 0

Lions kickoff is short and fielded by DJ Williams and he gets a 12 yard return

Packers first possession

First and 10 at Packers 33, Rodgers under center, DuJuan Harris gets the pitch runs right for 10

First and 10, quick pass from Rodgers to Cobb for 5

Second and 5, ball at 49, Rodgers handoff to Alex Green for 3

Third and 2 at Lions 49, Rodgers in gun, Rodgers runs for first down to the Lions 41

First and 10, handoff to Green for 8 – running hard up the middle

Second and 2, Rodgers escapes the rush and hits Cobb on the right sideline for 20

First and 10, ball at Lions 13, Rodgers scrambles right and throws short to Jermichael Finley

Second and 10, Rodgers sacked by Lawrence Jackson and fumbles … Lions recover

Seven play drive with no points for Packers

Lions second possession

First and 10 from Lions 20

Second and 8, Stafford in gun pass to Tony Scheffler for first down

First and 10, Bell for 3 up the middle

Second and 7 Troy Bell for 10 and a first down

First and 10 – Packers offside

First and 5 from the Packers 44, Stafford under center, pass toward Johnson on right sideline knocked down by Williams

Second and 5, Logan carried for 3

Third and 2, pass to Scheffler for 5 and a first down

End of the first quarter

Lions have possession for 11 minutes 30 seconds in first quarter.

First and 10 from Packers 37, Joique Bell for 3

Pass to Durham who makes an incredible one handed catch

First and goal Bell for 2

Second and goal, pass for a touchdown to Tony Scheffler – Lions called for unsportsmanlike penalty to be assessed on kickoff

Drive: 11 plays, 79 yards in 5:48

Lions 14 Packers 0

Lions kickoff  to Cobb  with a good return of 29 yards to the Packers 38

Packers second possession

First and 10 Rodgers under center, pass to Greg Jennings down the right sideline 30

Rodgers handoff to Green, for 8, but holding called on Josh Sitton

First and 18, quick pass to James Jones dropped

Second and 18, Draw play to Green for 12

Third and 6, pass to Kuhn incomplete

Crosby in for 48 yard FG attempt good

Drive: 6 plays, 31 yards in 1:55

Lions 14 Packers 3

Packers kickoff to Stephan Logan

Lions third possession

First and 10 from the 27 Stafford pass over the middle to Will Heller for 6

LeShoure for 3

Third and 1, Stafford sidearms a pass under heavy rush and completes to Heller

First and 10, Stafford rushes up the middle for 6

Timeout Lions

Second and 4, LeShoure for 3 up the middle

Third and 1, ball at the 48, pass to Durham for 8 and a first down

First and 10, Stafford fumbles the ball on pass attempt, picked up by Defensive lineman Mike Daniels who runs it in 43 yards for the touchdown

Mike Daniels 43 yard fumble return for TD (Mason Crosby extra point is GOOD), 6:15

Drive: 0 play, 0 yard in 0:00

Lions 14 Packers 10

Packers kickoff to Lions for touchback

Lions fourth possession

First and 10 from the 20, Stafford in the gun, passes a slant to Johnson for 14

First and 10, Stafford under center, hands off to LeShoure for 3

Second and 6, Stafford passes incomplete broken up by Tramon Williams

Third and 6, pass over the middle to Bell for first down,

First and 10 at Lions 48, inside handoff to LeShoure for 3

Second and 7, LeShoure runs off left tackle for 8 and a first down

First and 10, Stafford pass long over the middle intercepted by Sam Shields who returns it out to the Packers 45

Packers possession

First and 10, Rodgers in the gun on first down, inside handoff to DuJuan Harris for no gain

2-minute warning

Second and 10, Quick pass to Cobb gains 1 yard

Third and 10, false start on Sitton

Third and 15, pass to Cobb for 5

Fourth down and punt

Masthay punts touchback, but Lions called for holding

First and 10, ball at the Lions 10 LeShoure for 3

Packers timeout

Second and 7, Bell for 2

Packers second timeout

Third and 5 from the Lions 15, Stafford in gun calls timeout

Third and 5, 47 second remain in the half, pass to Johnson for a first down

Lions kneel on it

End of first half

Lions 14 Packers 10

First half statistics courtesy of si.com

Packers

Lions

Lions

Kickoff to Packers, Cobb with return

Frist down pass to Jones,

First and 10, quick shovel pass to Cobb who fumbles and Barclay recovers

Second and 14, pass to Finley for 8

Third and 14, pass incomplete, but personal foul on Suh

First and 10, Finley pass from Rodgers for 9

Second and 1, ball at 36, handoff to Green for 2 and a first down

First and 10, Rodgers under center, pass left to cobb for 6

Second and 4, ball at the Lions 33, Rodgers throws long down left sideline incomplete

Third and 4, Rodgers in gun, Rodgers scrambles and runs 24 yards for the touchdown

Drive: 8 plays, 74 yards in 3:06

Packers 17 Lions 14

Packers kick off to Lions

Logan with 28 yard return

Lions possession

First and 10, from the 28, reverse to Mike Thomas for 3

Second and 7, pass to Scheffler incomplete

Third and 7, pass to Johnson over the middle for first down, penalty on Morgan Burnett

First and 10 from Packers 36, LeShoure for 2

Second and 8, pass to Johnson for 6

Third and 2, pass incomplete – Johnson falls

Hanson with 46 yard FG is good

Packers 17 Lions 17

Lions kick off to Packers

Cobb with the return

First and 10, Green for 1

Second and 9, Rodgers throws incomplete

Third and 9, pass over the middle to James Jones for a first down

First and 10 from 43, Green off right tackle for 10 and another first down

First and 10, pass to Boykin for 4 yards

Second and 6, inside handoff to Green for no gain

Third and 6, pass to Jennings incomplete

Fourth down punt by Masthay – logan fair catch

Lions possession

First and 10, LeShoure for 1

Second and 9, pass incomplete over the middle

Third and 9, ball at Lions 11, pass incomplete

Fourth down punt, Cobb fair catch at the 50 – 4:26 left in the third quarter

Packers possession

First and 10 at the 50 Cobb with the one handed catch for 24

Second and 10, pass to Green incomplete

Third and 10, Rodgers sacked

Crosby 52 yarder no good

Lions possession

First and 10 at the Lions 42, LeShoure for 3

Second and 7, LeShoure for 5, but Detroit called for holding

Second and 17, pass to Johnson for 11

Third and 6, pass to Bell for big first down

First and 10, pass to Johnson for 6

Second and 4, LeShoure for 1

End of third quarter

Third and 4, pass down left side incomplete

Fourth down

Hanson from 51 yards – short

Packers possession

First down and 10 from the Packers41, Green off tackle for 6,

Second and 4, Green runs sweep for 2

Third and 2, Rodgers in the gun, delay to Green up the middle for 6 and a first down

First and 10, Green for 9 off right tackle

Second and 1, Ryan Grant for his first carry picks up 13 yards

First and 10, ball at the Lions 19, Green falls, gets up and picks up 6,

Second and 4, Juan Harris for 14 yards and a touchdown – walks in untouched

Drive: 7 plays, 59 yards in 4:04

Packers 24 Lions 17

Packers kick off Stephan Logan returns it to the Lions 27

Lions possession

First and 10 from the 27, Pass to Will Heller for 8, penalty on Packers illegal hands to the face on BJ RAji

First and 10, pass to Heller for 6

Second and 3, Bell for 2

Third and 1, Bell for 1 and a first down

First and 10, pass incomplete to Durham

Second and 10, Bell for 2

Third and 8, pass incomplete

Fourth and 8, punt – Cobb fields short punt and returns it to the 43

Packers possession

First and 10, Rodgers slips in pocket and throws deep down the middle incomplete for Jennings

Timeout Green Bay – first

Second and 10, pitch to DuJuan Harris for loss of 1

Third and 11, huge pass to Cobb for 36 yards

Timeout Packers at 5:36 mark

First and 10, ball at Lions 26, DuJuan Harris for 1

Second and 9, Harris for 2

Third and 7, pass incomplete to Jennings in the end zone

Crosby hits 41 yard FG

Drive: 7 plays, 40 yards in 3:09

Packers 27 Lions 17

Packers kickoff short to lineman

First and 10 from 30, pass nearly intercepted by Sam Shields

Second and 10, pass deflected by DL Mike Daniels

Third and 10, pass to Johnson for first down

First and 10, penalty on Lions – false start

First and 15, pass to Bell for 6

Second and 11, pass to Johnson and another first down

first and 10 , ball at Packers 44, Stafford passes incomplete

2:41 remain

Second and 10, Stafford n the gun, passes to right sideline and interception dropped by Casey Hayward

Third and 10, pass incomplete, coverage by Hayward

Fourth and 10 from the 44, pass intercepted by Jaron McMillian

However, the replay shows McMillian trapped the ball … but the Packers still get the ball on the change of possession on downs.

Packers possession

First and 10 Green for 2

Lions first timeout

Second and 8, Kuhn loses 3

Third and 11,

Lions second timeout

Rodgers falls down for a sack

Lions final timeout

Fourth down punt by Masthay down to the 23 yard line

Two minute warning

Lions possession

First and 10, Stafford pass complete to Durham

first and 10, pass to Heller for 8,

Second and 2, pass incomplete, but illegal contact called on Tramon Williams

First and 10, 1:06 left – pass to Bell over the middle for 8,

Second and 2, long pass downfield into triple coverage incomplete

Third and 2, 35 seconds remaining, pass over middle to Bell

17 seconds remaining

Second and 10, pass to Johnson to the 18

34 yard FG by Hanson is good

Packers 27 Lions 20

Lions onside kick with 7 seconds left – Hanson kicks it out of bound

Packers victory formation

Packers win seventh out of 8

Lions lose fifth in a row.

Final statistics by si.com

Read More: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/gameflash/2012/12/09/5099/index.html#ixzz2EcY7LJN8

Dec 2, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) looks to throw a pass to wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Vikings 23-14. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The 4-8 Detroit Lions will visit Green Bay to take on the 8-4* Green Bay Packers Sunday night. This is another NFC North divisional showdown with the usual late-season playoff implications for the Packers.

The Lions have no shot at the playoffs so naturally they’ll come into the game with little motivation other than knocking the Packers back a notch. Will that be enough?

The Lions lost their fourth game in a row against the Colts last Sunday primarily due to the efforts of Colts rookie QB Andrew Luck. The Packers have been there and done that. What was different about the Lions loss was the fracturing effect the loss had on the team. Some of this was simmering before the loss to the Colts, but the team is taking shots at each other in the media now, which is sure sign of a team in disarray and on the verge of surrender and adoption of the dreaded “wait-‘til-next-year” mindset.

The Lions have not been getting blown out in their losses, however. Their last four losses have been by 10, 4, 3, and 2 points. They still have Stafford, “Megatron,” and the “usual suspects” on the defensive line. I just don’t see them rolling over for the Packers Sunday night. The Packers will have to earn a hard-fought victory over the Lions. Again.

The Lions have a bunch of players hurting but none confirmed out for the game as of now, so injuries won’t be much of a factor. At least for them.

The Packers won their game against Minnesota last week primarily because of a balanced offensive attack, good performances by players who had to replace injured teammates, and a defense that bent but stiffened and created takeaways at the appropriate times. While no defense could ever be proud of “limiting” Vikings RB Adrian Peterson to “only” 210 yards, they did not allow a superior individual performance like that to be the deciding factor in the game.

The Packers are fully aware that they control their post-season fate and that they need to win every remaining game in order to assure the second playoff seed they want. Even with players like Matthews, Woodson, Nelson, Starks, and Wilson on the shelf now they know the next man up has to get the job done. This is nothing new for the Packers. The football gods always seem to throw challenges like these at the Packers. They’re used to seeing the Packers, too. Spiteful indeed are the football gods.

Aug 30, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers guard Don Barclay (67) during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Chiefs 24-3. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Returning to active duty this week should be CB Sam Shields and potentially OL T.J. Lang. Lang was a limited participant in practice, so there is a chance he’ll play. If not, OL Don Barclay will stay at RT and EDS will continue at LG. If Lang can play he could move back to his normal LG position and Barclay could stay in at RT.

The Packers could also promote OL Andrew Datko from the practice squad to help out at RT. This is just another example of the Packers dealing with injuries and their next-man-up philosophy. We won’t know how this particular situation will play out until game time.

RB Ryan Grant was signed this week to take RB James Starks’ place while he is out. Grant was with the Packers for several years, knows the offense and is a good locker room guy. I see him playing situational downs only at this point. RB Alex Green will be the featured back Sunday night. I think both RBs will see their share of carries though. Given the forecast of sub-freezing temperatures and snow ( ! ) for Sunday night I think the ball will have to be carried more than it’s thrown.

Statistically a couple of things jump out about these two teams. Offensively the Lions rank second in total yards and first in pass yards in the league. Defensively, they’re twenty-sixth in the league in points allowed.

Offensively the two teams rank eleventh and twelfth in points scored with the slight edge to the Lions. In fact, the Lions outrank the Packers in every offensive category, but the Packers play better defense in every category.

Surprising? It was to me.

Just like every other game these two teams have played over the years, when these two teams play Sunday night the winner will be the team that makes the fewest stupid mistakes and the most plays. Lately the Lions have been making a lot of stupid mistakes and the Packers have been making a lot of plays.

With new or returning faces on the field for the Packers and a lot on the line it’ll be interesting to see which team plays up to their potential and which team plays down to theirs.

Here are a few of the things I’ll be watching with you during the game:

Dec 11, 2011; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Ryan Grant (25) rushes with the football during the game against the Oakland Raiders at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Raiders 46-16. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

• Packers run game. Ryan Grant’s return was almost inevitable when Starks and the Packers realized the knee bruise sustained against the Vikings was worse than first thought. He’s familiar with the offense. He’s fresh, not having played much at all for Washington and with relatively little wear and tear on his 30-year-old body. Will he have burst?  Will he be assignment sure when called upon to block? How are his hands?

I still think we’ll see more of Green than Grant, but over the next four games if Grant shows he can tote the rock securely and effectively then everything else the Packers offense does will be more effective. If Grant fumbles against the Lions the collective groan emanating from Packers fans will be measurable on the Richter scale.

• Packers offensive line. With replacements in at LG and RT there’s plenty to be concerned about. However, neither Evan Dietrich-Smith nor Don Barclay had what could be called a bad game against the Vikings. But the Lions bring a different kind of D line (read better) to Lambeau Sunday night, and the entire Pack O line had better be ready for a real war on the frozen tundra. If the Packers can’t protect Rodgers or open any holes for Green or Grant it will be a long night. I’ll be observing the LG and RT positions in particular to see how EDS and Barclay hold up. If Lang can play will he go back to LG and Barclay stay at RT? We’ll see.

• Packers receivers. Again they follow the seemingly normal (at least for this season) availability routine for this game. Get one back…lose one. Back is Jennings from a decent first outing against Minnesota last week. But lost is Nelson, whose hammy isn’t ready to answer the call against the Lions. Even so, the consistently excellent performances of Jones and Cobb seem to balance out the back and forth between the other receivers. I’ll be looking for Jennings to make a bigger contribution in this game and for Jones and Cobb to continue their steady, and sometimes star, performances. And for all of them to catch the ball!

• Packers defensive line/LBs. The Packers will need to get after Stafford and force him to continue his trend of throwing a few to the other team. To do this I think the Packers will need to blitz more in this game than normal. Packers LBs need to get to Stafford when called upon to blitz. It certainly wouldn’t hurt for the big guys to get home either, but when rushing five or more the Packers have to be more successful than they have so far this season. Too many opposing QBs have escaped from Packers attackers.

Dec 11, 2011; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Tramon Williams (38) during the game against the Oakland Raiders at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Raiders 46-16. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

• Packers DBs. They’ll once again have their shots at snagging some balls. They’ll need to finish when the ball is in their hands. This is a regular point of emphasis for me and should be for the team. I don’t know if the NFL keeps stats for missed or dropped INTs but if they do I think the Packers would be in the top five teams … for INTs dropped. In this game I’ll be watching for the DBs to work together to keep Megatron from setting some kind of record in the game and to catch some of Stafford’s passes. And to TACKLE!

• Packers special teams. They will be called upon to produce in what may be the worst weather conditions seen so far this season. Even without the potential for snowfall during the game it’ll still be cold. It’s not as if this is anything new for the kickers, but I’ll be watching Masthay closely to see how his punts look in this one. As far as Crosby is concerned I’ll be watching and hoping that his slump is over and that he’ll be accurate … conditions and all.

Fearsome Predictions:

• Green and Grant, with a few yards from Kuhn and with any luck very few attempts by Rodgers, will combine for more than 150 yards for the second straight week.

• Green or Grant will score a touchdown on the ground.

• Rodgers will once again make his case for MVP to a national TV audience with an 80 percent completion, three TD, no INT game.

• The Packers receivers will catch three TD passes and drop none.

• The Packers will sack Stafford four times. Two by LBs, one by a DL, and one by a blitzing safety. The Packers will pick Stafford off three times. One by Hayward, one by Jennings, and one by Williams.

• The Packers O line will allow fewer sacks and protect Rodgers better than the Detroit O line does for Stafford.

• The Lions will have more penalties in the game than the Packers.

• At least one Lions player will commit a penalty that eventually results in a hefty fine. He will suddenly develop amnesia about the play after the game, then talk himself out of breath denying it was intentional. OK … so this is an easy one but my predictions haven’t been quite as tight as I would like lately. I’ll take low-hanging fruit when I can get it.

• NBC will tie the Stomp to the Kick to something else Suh does in this game. But hopefully it’s not a stomp or a kick.

Sep 13, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Bears 23-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

• Special teams? Cobb. Is. Still. Due. Just don’t give up yards on your returns 18!

• Mason Crosby will not miss a kick in this game. He’s back!

We’ll be watching the nationally-televised game from the comfort of our own home this Sunday night. But for the rest of the regular season (unless the Packers get flexed to Sunday night) we’ll be at our normal haunt – Tailgators on FM1488 in Magnolia. I’ll still be tweeting random thoughts on the game and the telecast to all those who dare to follow at @PackersTX.

Bring it Lions! Go Pack GO!

Nov 19, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) catches a pass to score a touchdown as Detroit Lions free safety Ricardo Silva (39) and cornerback Jacob Lacey (21) defend in the fourth quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-US PRESSWIRE

The Green Bay Packers win over the Detroit Lions last week earned the team the GMC “Never Say Never Moment” Award.

In a game when all seemed lost, the Packers’ touchdown pass reception by Randall Cobb, followed by kicker Mason Crosby’s field goal secured the Packers 24020 win over NFC North rival Detroit Lions.

The win gave the Packers their second division win in as many tries. They defeated the Chicago Bears in September. The Packers, like the rest of the teams in the division, have the bulk of their NFC North games between now and the end of the season.

In addition, with the Bears’ loss to the San Francisco 49ers put the Packers and Bears atop the division with 7-3 records. However, the Packers hold the tie-breaker with their win over the Bears.

The following is the official press release about the Packers’ award was distributed by the Packers’ public relations department:

GREEN BAY PACKERS FIND WAY TO WIN VOTED WEEK 11

GMC NEVER SAY NEVER MOMENT OF THE WEEK

Winner Selected By Fan Vote on NFL.com

Green Bay Packers QB AARON RODGERS found WR RANDALL COBB for a late game score to put the Packers ahead for good against the Detroit Lions. Their effort earned them the GMC NEVER SAY NEVER MOMENT OF THE WEEK for games played on November 15-19, the NFL announced today. The GMC NEVER SAY NEVER MOMENT OF THE WEEK is the best moment or play of the week that represents determination and perseverance.

With a number of key players sidelined due to injuries, the GREEN BAY PACKERS faced a DETROIT LIONS team desperate to keep playoff hopes alive.  For much of Sunday’s game, the Packers struggled offensively, yet, down 20-14 with 4:25 remaining, they mounted their best drive of the afternoon, going 82 yards in six plays on a drive capped by a WR Randall Cobb score from QB Aaron Rodgers. The win helps the Packers remain in the NFC North title chase.

Packers find a way to win was selected from among three moments by voters on NFL.com/gmc.  The other two moments were COWBOYS win thriller vs. Browns and TEXANS survive OT scare vs. Jaguars.

After the regular season, fans will have a chance to determine the GMC Never Say Never Moment of the Year, from among the 17 weekly winners.  Fans can vote for the winner and enter for a chance to win a trip to Super Bowl XLVII on NFL.com/gmc throughout the month of January.

2012 GMC NEVER SAY NEVER MOMENT OF THE WEEK

Nov 19, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) and tight end Jermichael Finley (88) celebrate after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-US PRESSWIRE

The Green Bay Packers, without nearly one-quarter of their regular players, took on the Detroit Lions at Ford Field and despite many penalties, dropped passes and the inability to sustain drives, the Packers sneaked out of Detroit with a 24-20 win.

” We couldn’t get no rhythm … We didn’t get many plays on offense, had a poor third down conversion. Th line battled hard … the line fought really hard and when we had to have it in the fourth quarter they came through,” Aaron Rodgers said.

Randall Cobb, who caught one of two Aaron Rodgers touchdown passes, was the player of the game. It seemed his touches were, for the most part gold – with the exception of a couple of boneheaded plays on returns.

“Randall is a big time player for us and a big part of our offense. We try to get him in space … he made an incredible catch on his touchdown. Cobb is so smart and he understands progressions and timing and when he needs to get open.”

But consider that the defense also came to play without the likes of players like Woodson and Matthews. It was

Overall, the Packers offense was lethargic as it seemed  the Lions defense played over their heads during much of this game.

Throw in some big defensive plays and it was enough to give the Packers the slim, much-needed win.

” I thought the defense played extremely well. The situation defense and the ability to get off the field was very big for us today. The young guys like Dezman Moses and Casey Hayward played physical and tough,” Coach Mike McCarthy said after the game.

“Our defense kept us in it had to have drive at the end,” Aaron Rodgers said immediately following the game.

“This is the kind of win really good teams find a way to win. We just had to have it. We talked on the sidelines that if the defense holds we have to make the most of it. When the best was needed we were able to come through.”

If there was a theme for the first half of this game, it was the Packers inability to close the book on several situations as dropped passes, frequent penalties and beakdowns on offense and defense allow the Lions to sneak away with a 10-7 first half lead.

Nov 18, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Erik Walden (93) tries to tackle Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during the fourth quarter at Ford Field. Packers beat the Lions 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-US PRESSWIRE

The defense continued to make plays through the second half in some pressure situations and there wasn’t anyone more happy about that than Aaron Rodgers.

He also credited the character of this team:  ”We have a mature team. Smart veterans on it who have won a lot of games like this in the past and understand what takes to win.”

Some good notes to report:

• James Starks rushed 25 times for 74 yards and Randall Cobb carried twice for 29 yards

• Cobb had nine receptions for 74 yards, 1 touchdown; Finley caught 3 passes for 66 yards, 1 touchdown; and Jordy Nelson caught 3 for 45

• Johnson was targeted 11 times with just 5 receptions – he did have 143 yards and 1 TD, but 53 of them came on a single play and 20 more came on the final play of the game.

• The Packers turned the ball over once, while the Lions turned it over four times

• The Packers sacked Stafford five times, while the Lions sacked Rodgers three times.

• Rodgers had a passer rating of 106.4

Below, you will find a complete play by play of this game, with some photos and comments sprinkled in …

First half of play

Packers kick off

Touchback

Lions first possession

First and 10 from own 20, short pass on rollout to Brandon Pettigrew for 3

Second and 7, Pass over the middle defended by Casey Hayward well; knocked down

Third and 7, pass to Johnson dropped  hit by Hayward.

Fourth down punt to 39 yard line- 38 yard punt

Randall Cobb. Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

Packers first possession

First and 190 from the 39, Swing pass to Randall Cobb left side for 5

Second and 5, Straks run left – Cobb punshes tacklers and drags them for a first down

first and 10, Starks up the middle for 4 – hole closes quickly

Second and 6, Rodgers rolls right, passes to Nelson along left sideline, but he drops an easy pass

Third and 6 from Lions 46, flag on Packers 

Third and 10, middle screen to Green incomplete

Drop by Nelson and penalty kill drive

Fourth down punt by Masthay – downed by Jarrett Bush at the 1 yard line

Lions second possession

First and 10 from the 1, LeShoure rushes for 2; Morgan Burnett makes a great tackle

Second and 8, pass over the middle tightly covered by Davon House who makes a great play reaching in and knocking the ball out.

Third and 8, from the Lions 4; Pass over the middle to Sheffler falls incomplete. Stafford misses him

Fourth down punt – Fair catch by Cobb at the Lions 48. Packers rush punter hard and players cross right in front of him, there is some contact, but not enough to draw a flag.

James Starks. Andrew Weber-US PRESSWIRE

Packers second posseession

First and 10, Cobb for 4,

Second and 6, Starks makes hard cut and gains 5

Third and 1 from 39, Starks hit in backfield, but uses stiffarm to bounce  to the outside and pick up 2 for the first down

First and 10, Rodgers slides to left and passes long to Cobb. However, flag negates pickup; Sitton called for holding

First and 20 from the Lions 48, Rodgers quick pass in flat to Cobb who takes it up the right sideline for 10

Second and 10 pass negated by Evan Dietrich-Smith called for holding

Second and 21 from Lions 48, Rodgers is gun, passes over the middle to Cobb for 4

Third and 16, Rodgers in gun, all kinds of time; pass to James Jones for 13

Brings up fourth down go for it – statement to K Mason Crosby?

Fourth and 4, Rodgers passes over the middle to Cobb, but misses the target

Packers give the ball over on downs

Penalties kill drive – second in a row

Calvin Johnson makes a 53-yard reception in the first quarter of today’s game. Raj Mehta-US PRESSWIRE

Lions third possession

Pass over the middle dropped by Johnson

Second and 10, Screen to LeShoure snufed out and blown up by A.J. Hawk – loss of 2

Third and 12, Stafford rolls right and throws long to Johnson for 53 yards

First and 10 from 18, Kevin Smith for 3; illegal hands to the face by Erik Walden

Lions at Packers 10, second and goal, Stafford six yard pass to Scheffler.

Third and goal, ball at 3, Stafford under center, Ryan Pickett blows up middle and forces Stafford to his right and into Morgan Burnett who makes the sack

Jason Hanson for 30 yard FG is GOOD

53-yard pass to Calvin Johnson is the big play on the drive

Lions 3 Packers 0

Lions

Packers

Lions kickoff – Cobb for 10 yard return

Packers tight end Jermichael Finley jumps into the end zone for a touchdown. Andrew Weber-US PRESSWIRE

Packers fourth possession

First and 10 from Packers 18, pass t Jones drops ball – second of the game (Nelson and Jones)

Second and 10, Rodgers n gun inside handoff to James Starks off left tackle for 4

Third and 6, Rodgers throws a laser of 15 yards to a wide open Jordy Nelson for a first down

First and 10 from the 38, Ridgers under center hands off to Starks for 3

Second and 7 from 41, Rodgers under center walks away from center and calls a timeout; McCarthy is livid about womehting on the field, but not sure why.- maybe something with the play clock

Second and 7, Starks runs left and loses 2 as no blocking takes shape

Third and 7, Rodgers avoids the sack and while falling forward hits Donald Driver for the first down over the middle

First and 10, handoff to Starks over right tackle for 2,

Second and 8 from Lions 47, delayed handoff to Starks nets 5 yards

End of first quarter

Packers Third and 4, pass to Jordy Nelson who on right sideline. He breaks two tackles and runs out to the 23

First and 10, Cobb

TD pass to Jermichael Finley wide open over the middle for the touchdown

Extra point by Crosby

13:56 Drive: 11 plays, 81 yards in 5:28

Big play of the drive was the first down pass to Donald Driver that kept the drive going

Packers 7 Lions 3

Lions running back Mikel Leshoure (25) reaches for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers. Raj Mehta-US PRESSWIRE

Packers Crosby kidoff – Logan return to the 26

Lions fourth possession

First and 10 from 26, handoff to Mikel Leshoure

Pass to Hiller for 17 yards; Hayward rushes, but Stafford eludes him

First and 10, Leshoure for 2

Second and 8, Erik Walden tracks down Stafford for a sack and minus 1 yard

Third and 9, Stafford in gun, pass to left sideline to Johnson for 21

First and 10, Ball at Packers 32, handoff to Bell for 4

Second and six; juggling catch for 3 by Pettigrew

Third and 3, pass to Johnson to the 11 for first down, Tramon Williams on the coverage

First and 10 from the 11, Stafford inside handoff up the middle for 10 and a first down

First and goal, Lesoure for the TD 

Big plays of the drive was the 21-yard reception by Johnson and the first down pass to Johnson down to the 11

Drive: 10 plays, 74 yards in 5:50

Lions 10 Packers 7

Packers punter Tim Masthay. Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

Lions Kickoff

Packers fifth possession

First and 10 from the 20, Rodgers in gun, passes to Starks on left side for 6 – dumpoff pass

Second and 4, pitch to Starks for 5 – nice blocking and nice running on Starks’ part

Fist and 10, delayed handoff to Starks for 8 – penalty on Detroit offsides accepted

Instead of second and 2, Packers opt for first and 5

First and 5, Rodgers under center hands off to Starks who hits head on in the hole and drags him for four

Second and 1, Starks hit by Durant for a loss of 2

Third and 3, from 37, Rodgers rushed out of the pocket right, passes incomplete to Cobb

Fourth down punt by Masthay, muffed by Logan, but he recovers it

Packers cornerback Casey Hayward (29) runs the ball after making an interception against the Detroit Lions. Raj Mehta-US PRESSWIRE

Lions fifth possession

First and 10 from the 28, Stafford passes behind Scheffler and it falls incomplete

Second and 10, end around to Mike Thomas for 6, Hayward with the impressive stick to upend Thomas

Third and 4, offside by Packers, Mike Neal – gives up first down

First and 10, Leshoure bounces off to the left for first down; Calvin Johnson holds, but doesn’t get called for it

First and 10 from Packers 46, Leshoure for 2

Second and 8, Stafford hit as he throws incomplete – Stafford comes up limping

Third and 8, Stafford throws incomplete but Brad Jones flagged for slap to the head

Lions first and 10 from Packers 29, Pass INTERCEPTED BY CASEY HAYWARD  - Hayward’s fifth of the year – Packers have 11 INT

Packers sixth possession

First and 10 from own 47, Starks for six off left side

Two minute warning 

Packers second and 2, Rodgers intercepted over the middle

Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) gets the ball hit out of his hands by Green Bay Packers linebacker Dezman Moses in the second quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-US PRESSWIRE

Lions sixth possession

First and 10 from own 33, pass of 4 to Pettigrew – Hawk right on the tackle

Second and 6, Stafford runs for 6

First and 10 from Lions 43, Stafford throws incomplete

Second and 10, Stafford again throws to a spot, but no receiver within 10 yards

Third and 10, Stafford evades pressure , but Dezman Moses knocks the ball from Stafford

Packers recover

Nov 19, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Green Bay Packers kicker Mason Crosby first field goal attempt was no good against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Andrew Weber-US PRESSWIRE

Packers possession 

First and 10, Pass to Cobb over the middle for 7

Second and 3, Rodgers pass to Cobb for 10 and a first down

Timeout GB – second

Packers First and 10 from 24, Rodgers in gun, SACK and loss of 8 by Nick Fairly

Second and 18 – Packers let clock run down to 2 seconds

50 yard FG Attempt by Mason Crosby – CROSBY MISSES RIGHT, BUT TIMEOUT CALLED AND CROSBY GETS SECOND CHANCE

SECOND ATTEMPT BY CROSBY –  MISSED LEFT THIS TIME – CROSBY MISSES 6 OF LAST 11 ATTEMPTS

END OF FIRST HALF

LIONS 10 PACKERS 7

First half statistics presented by si.com

1st Quarter

Jason Hanson 30 yard field goal, 4:24 Drive: 8 plays, 57 yards in 3:08
Detroit 3-0

2nd Quarter

Jermichael Finley 20 yard TD pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby extra point is GOOD), 13:56 Drive: 11 plays, 81 yards in 5:28
Green Bay 7-3

Mikel Leshoure 1 yard TD run (Jason Hanson extra point is GOOD), 8:06 Drive: 10 plays, 74 yards in 5:50
Detroit 10-7

Packers

Lions defensive tackle Nick Fairley (98) sacks Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) causing a fumble in the third quarter at Ford Field.Andrew Weber-US PRESSWIRE

Start of second half

Lions kickoff to Packers – Cobb to the 20, but penalty on Packers, illegal block in the back

First and 10 from Packers 5, Starks runs hard and hits people, but only picks up 2

Second and 8, Pass to Cobb who gets five yards on run for first down

First and 10, Rodgers under center, handoff to Starks for 1

Second and 9, pocket collapses and nowhere for Rodgers to go and he is sacked

Third and 13, Rodgers and sacked, fumbles, but Jeff Saturday jumps on it

Fourth down punt by Masthay from goal line to the 33

Packers free safety M.D. Jennings (43) intercepts a pass in the third quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Andrew Weber-US PRESSWIRE

Lions first possession of the second half

First and 10 from the 33

First and 10 Leshoure picks his way for seven yards

Second and 3, Brad Jones breaks through and tackles Leshoure for no gain

Third and 3, Stafford beats strong blitz with 16 yard pass to Scheffler.

First and 10 at Packrs 44, Stafford pass to Johnson down right sideline overthrown

Second and 10, inside handoff to Leshoure for 5

Third and 5, Stafford in gun, penalty flags fly for false start on Lions

Third and 10 from Packers 44, offsetting penalties – offside on Walden and offensive pass interference on Titus Young

Third and 10, Pass to Johnson tipped and M.D. Jennings intercepts; Stafford called for low block on return Jennings takes it to the house 71 yards for a TOUCHDOWN PACKERS!

Seven returns for touchdowns against the Lions this year

Packers 14 Lions 10

Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) dunks the football over the uprights after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field. Andrew Weber-US PRESSWIRE

Packers kick off to Logan who returns it to the 17

Lions Second Possession

First and 10, Leshoure for five

Second and 5, Stafford in gun, pass overthows everyone, but flag on Brad Jones grabbing facemask

eight Packers penalties at this point

First and 10, Pass to Boyles for 8

Second and 2, pass to Johnson falls incomplete

Third and 2, Stafford in gun, pass over the middle to Pettigrew for 12 and a first down

First and 10 at Packers 44, Leshoure hesitates, hits the hole and picks up five

Second and 5, Leshoure bounces it outside for a first down

First and 10at Packers 26, pass over the middle for Bell for 5, AJ Hawk on the stop

Second and 5, Stafford in gun, Stafford scrambles for a first down

First and 10 at Packers 15, Leshoure is hit in the backfield by Dezman Moses for a loss – but Detroit called for holding on Moses

First and 20, Stafford under center, has all kinds of time, scrambles right and throws the ball away at the end

Second and 20, Stafford in gun, passes over the middle to Johnson for TD – went right through Morgan Burnett’s hands

Calvin Johnson 25 yard TD pass from Matthew Stafford (Jason Hanson extra point is GOOD), 3:01 Drive: 10 plays, 83 yards in 5:30

Lions 17 Packers 14

James Jones.
Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

Lions kickoff – Cobb muffs a bounding kickoff , picks it up, then runs it out of the end zone to the 10 and fumbles – Packers recover

Packers second possession

First and 10 from their own 9 yard line, Starks runs hard off right tackle and picks up 7

Second and 3, Starks for 1

Third and 2, Rodgers under center, pitch to Cobb with blocking to the left and he picks up 15 and a first down

First and 10 from Packers 35, Rodgers under center, play action to Starks and Rodgers throws a laser over the middle to James Jones

First and 10 from Lions 45, Nick Fairly stuffs Kuhn for loss of 1

End of the third quarter

Packers open third quarter with a second and 11, Rodgers in Gun, Rodgers pulls it down and runs for 2

Third and 9, at Lions 44, pass to Cobh low and he’s tackled right away

Fourth and 5, Mason Crosby – Lions call timeout

CROSBY FROM 58 YARDS???? act like going to fake it with Tom Crabtree, but called for illegal motion

Now the Packers punt – Masthay to the 7 and fair catch called

Linebacker Erik Walden.
Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

Lions third possession

First and 10 from the 8, Stafford hands off to Leshoure for 3

Second and 7, Stafford is sacked by Davon House

Third and 10, Walden with the sack – Sack number 5 on Stafford today

Fourth down punt out of end zone – Fair catch by Cobb at Detroit 44

Packers third possession

First and 10 from the Lions 44,

Rodgers under center, pass to Nelson for 12 and a first down

First and 10 from Lions 32, Rodgers in gun, handoff to Starks for no gain

Second and 10, Rodgers throws toward Jordy Nelson, but flags thrown – Defensive holding automatic first down

First and 10 from Lions 28, Rodgers in gun, flags thrown, but Rodgers misses Cobb on crossing route – Lions lined up in neutral zone

First and 5, from Lions 23, Starks is bottled up and stopped at line of scrimmage

Second and 5, Rodgers in gun, handoff to Starks for 3

Third and 2, Rodgers in gun, pass to Jones incomplete

CROSBY FROM 38 YARD LINE – NO GOOD

LIONS 17 PACKERS 14

Nov 19, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions kicker Jason Hanson (4) kicks a field goal in the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-US PRESSWIRE

Lions possession from own 28

First and 10, Leshoure for 4

Second and 6, Leshoure for 4

Third and 2, pass to Broyles and runs for 15 after the catch

First and 10 from Packers 36, Leshoure for 1

Second and 9, pass to a wide ope Titus Young down to the Packers 10

First and goal, Leshoure for 2

Second and goal, Brad Jones stuffs Leshoure for loss of 2

Timeout Packers – first

Third and goal from nine, pass incomplete

FG by Jason Hanson – 27 yards

Nov 19, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) celebrates after catching a pass for a touchdown as Detroit Lions cornerback Jacob Lacey (21) reacts during the fourth quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-US PRESSWIRE

4:25 remaining in game

Lions kickoff - Cobb returns it to the 17

Packers possession

First and 10, draw to Starks for 11

First and 10, Rodgers throws incomplete to Nelson

Second and 10Rodgers in gun, pass to Finley, he breaks a couple of tackles and takes it for a gain of 4

Ball at Lions 28, pass to Finley for 6

Second and 4, Starks runs right for 3

Third and 1, pass to Cobb TD in right side of end zone

Crosby extra point

Randall Cobb 22 yard TD pass from Aaron Rodgers, 1:55 Drive: 6 plays, 82 yards in 2:30

Packers 21 Lions 20

Packers

Packers safety Jerron McMillian.
Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

Packers kickoff – Logan returns to Lions 25

Lions possession

First and 10, Stafford pass thrown into the dirt incomplete

Second and 10 – penalty for false start on Lions

Second and 15, pass to Titus Young hits ground incomplete

Third and 15, Hayward knocks it away

Fourth and 15, from gun, long pass to Scheffler knocked down by rookie Jerron McMilian

1:21 remaining

Packers take over on possession

First and 10, handoff to Starks for no gain

Lions timeout – second

1:13 remaining – Second and 10

Seond and 10, handoff to Starks

Lions Final timeout

Third and 10, pitch to Starks who loses 2

Mason Crosby has come under intense scrutiny, but his head coach is confident in his abilities. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

MASON CROSBY FG ATTEMPT WITH 24 SECONDS LEFT – … AND THE KICK IS GOOD

Crosby kicks off – squibber returned by Scheffler

Lions ball with 15 seconds remaining

Pass toward Scheffler nearly picked off by Davon House

Second and 10 with 9 seconds remaining, Stafford in gun, pass toward Pettigrew incomplete with McMillian on the coverage

Last play of the game – pass complete to Johnson who tries to lateral the ball, but it’s picked off by Jaron McMillian

Final statistics below courtesy of si.com

Packers

Packers

Lions

• Scoring Summary

1st Quarter

Jason Hanson 30 yard field goal, 4:24 Drive: 8 plays, 57 yards in 3:08
Detroit 3-0

2nd Quarter

Jermichael Finley 20 yard TD pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby extra point is GOOD), 13:56 Drive: 11 plays, 81 yards in 5:28
Green Bay 7-3

Mikel Leshoure 1 yard TD run (Jason Hanson extra point is GOOD), 8:06 Drive: 10 plays, 74 yards in 5:50
Detroit 10-7

3rd Quarter

M.D. Jennings 72 yard interception return for TD (Mason Crosby extra point is GOOD), 8:31 Drive: 0 play, 0 yard in 0:00
Green Bay 14-10

Calvin Johnson 25 yard TD pass from Matthew Stafford (Jason Hanson extra point is GOOD), 3:01 Drive: 10 plays, 83 yards in 5:30
Detroit 17-14

4th Quarter

Jason Hanson 27 yard field goal, 4:25 Drive: 9 plays, 63 yards in 4:12
Detroit 20-14

Randall Cobb 22 yard TD pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby extra point is GOOD), 1:55 Drive: 6 plays, 82 yards in 2:30
Green Bay 21-20

Mason Crosby 39 yard field goal, 0:19 Drive: 4 plays, -1 yard in 1:00
Green Bay 24-20

Read More: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/gameflash/2012/11/18/5041/index.html#ixzz2Cc22eC4Z

Jan 1, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Detroit Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew (87) catches a pass between Green Bay Packers cornerback Tramon Williams (38) and cornerback Jarrett Bush (24) during the game at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Lions 45-41. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

So, here we go again … climbing out on the proverbial limb and publicly stating our predictions for today’s Packers games.

Well, maybe it’s not too far we have to climb for this particular game because we all pretty much agree – well, with the exception of one.

So, without further adieu, here’s how all the staffers see today’s Packers vs. Lions NFC North Division matchup:

Jon Schweitzer

Jon Schweitzer

Despite the loss of Clay Matthews, I expect the Packers to keep a very frustrated Lions team in check by weathering an initial emotional push from them to start the game.

If the Defense can do that, force some punts, I like Aaron Rodgers and the rest of the Packers offense, which I think is made to excel on turf.  Getting Jordy Nelson back will help free up spots in the Lions’ already-depleted secondary for Randall Cobb and James Jones to do damage.

However, it may take a couple of series to get the group back in rhythm.  If John Kuhn is back from injury, it will be very interesting to see which running back they use in each situation and if the Alex Green/McCarthy love fest is still going strong.

Packers 31 Lions 17

Jerry Bulone

Jason Hirschhorn

Jason Hirschhorn

The stat you’ve probably heard a lot this week is 5-1, Mike McCarthy’s record in games following the bye week. That sounds mightily impressive, but factor in that the combined record of those teams is 42-96 and suddenly it seems less so.

However, as the old cliché goes, you play who’s on your schedule, and the schedule makers have been kind to the McCarthy Packers. In addition to the mediocre post bye week opponents, Green Bay has been afforded five byes week 7 or later since the start of McCarthy’s tenure in 2006. With the 4-6 Detroit Lions slated as the Packers’ post-bye week opponent this season, that trend has fortunately continued.

After dropping four of its first six games, Detroit has somewhat righted the ship, scoring an average of 27.6 points over their last three games. To compound the issue, Green Bay has lost five starters over their own previous three games.

Detroit badly needs this game to stay relevant in the playoff hunt, and there are more than a few Lions who are not above taking cheap shots to help their cause.

The good news for the Packers is the Lions are absolutely decimated in the secondary.

Former Packer Pat Lee was signed this week to help cover for Louis Delmas, Amari Spievey, and Chris Houston, all of whom are questionable headed into Sunday. The Packers should get Jordy Nelson back this week, and all indications are he’s 100 percent this time. Combined with the fact Aaron Rodgers has been ripping through defenses since the Houston game, the prognosis isn’t looking very good for Detroit.

The Packers should win this one, but in order for this to be a complete victory Green Bay needs to come out of this one with all its important pieces intact.

Packers 31 – Lions 21

Dan Turczynski

Dan Turczynski

The Packers are 5-1 after the bye week under head coach Mike McCarthy, which bodes well for a Packers’ victory. The offense gets a healthy Jordy Nelson back to team up with emerging star Randall Cobb and James Jones.

The Packers should be able to take advantage of an improved Detroit secondary through the air; look for quarterback Aaron Rodgers to have a big day. The Packers must get a pass rush without Clay Matthews; if not, Matthew Stafford will be able to pick apart the Packers’ secondary.

Bold prediction: Jermichael Finley rejoins the team, mentally, and has his best game of the season. Packers roll in Detroit.

Packers 34, Lions 21

Thomas Marquardt

Thomas Marquardt

I thought this would be a no-brainer coming off of the bye, but the Lions have a team built to make late game comebacks.

Division games on the road are always tough and if the Packers let them hang around into the middle of the fourth quarter could spell trouble.  I expect a heavy dose of Starks and Green  in the first half and the bye week rest to make a difference.

Having Jordy Nelson back in the lineup will lead to at least one big play.

Packers 27 – Lions 20

Tim Thomas

The Packers will have a tough matchup Sunday against a Detroit team that needs to start turning their season around to get into playoff contention as this will be a tough matchup for the Packers on the road, especially since they won’t have Clay Matthews and Greg Jennings.

The Packers will have to do whatever they can to contain Detroit star Calvin Johnson as containing him could shut down the Detroit offense as the Packers should probably double team him with Tramon Williams and a safety.

The Packers offensive line will face a big challenge from the Detroit defensive line as Ndamukong Suh in company will look to limit how much time Aaron Rodgers has to throw.

However, the Lions’ secondary is not too strong as Randall Cobb’s speed could be used to make a big difference while Jordy Nelson should be good to go for the Packers.

The Packers have tons of injuries as they get ready to make their playoff push but remember the last time the Packers had all these injuries, they won the Super Bowl. The Lions will be a good challenge but the Packers will walk out of Detroit with a win.

Green Bay 31, Detroit 23

Ray Rivard

Ray Rivard

This is one of those games – division opponent, on the road, so much uncertainty because of injuries.

But for the Green Bay Packers, the Detroit Lions is a team that should be dispatched with a solid offensive showing, defense that contains the Lions’ passing attack, and special teams that do everything right. And you know what? This Packers team, if they are going to be considered one of the favorites to make it into the Playoffs, must win these division games. The next seven weeks will be crucial in not only determining the winner of the NFC North, but which teams will make it into the tournament.

The Lions pose a significant threat because of their offensive weapons. The Stafford-to-Pettigrew and Stafford-to-Johnson connections have always caused the Packers headaches. To win, the Packers will have to minimize the damage and contain the Lions through the air. Without the passing pressure put on by Clay Matthews, it will be interesting to see if the Packers injury-depleted unit can do just that.

It all starts up front with the defensive line and the Packers have to stop the run first and then take advantage of the blitz packages that Dom Capers dials up to slow the Lions. Most importantly, the defense has got to get off the field on third down to provide more facetime for the Packers’ offense.

When the Packers have the ball, I think we’ll probably see a heavy dose of James Starks and Alex Green. My hope is that, in conjunction with Randall Cobb, Head Coach Mike McCarthy comes up with a rotation that plays to each of these players’ strengths. I can see the Packers running Starks between the tackles more and trying to get Green into the open field. Being even more creative with Cobb will also open things up for Rodgers and his weapons outside.

In the end, I feel that this McCarthy-coached team begins its run to the playoffs against the Lions. I feel the Lions will try to take advantage of the crowd energy at the beginning, but I feel the Packers are a much better team. Using all four quarters, I feel the Packers will win the battle along the line of scrimmage and through the air.

Packers 31 Lions 19

Bill Walton and his family

Bill Walton

Several factors point to a Packers victory Sunday in Detroit.

Record in games after the bye (5-1) under McCarthy. Road dome winning percentage (.708) nearly as good as their home winning percentage (.714) under McCarthy. The need to set the tone for the stretch drive to the playoffs. Rodgers owning the NFL’s highest QB rating (117.0) all-tme indoors.

The Packers receivers have been talking about how much they like playing in domes for a while. Now it’s time to tear up the fast Ford Field track against a banged-up Lions secondary. The Packers injuries have been well documented. Quality depth won’t make us forget about Matthews, Woodson, Jennings, and the rest – but it should minimize the impact of their absence.

We think this game will come down to the quarterbacks and which one has better protection, which will open up the rest of their offensive game plans. Expect this one to be won in the trenches. In a dome. After a bye. By the Packers.

Wife and Facebook junkie Deneen sees this one ending up 35-21 Packers. Son and Black Ops II junkie John is going with 24-14 Packers. I see the Packers coming away with a 31-17 win.

Snyder, who has been a Lions fan for years – yes, there are those out there who still admit to that – knows that this game is one that is crucial for both teams as they head toward the final quarter of the NFL season. Most important for both teams is the backloaded schedules that pit divisional opponents against one another. The NFL wants games in December to be just as important as those in September. By scheduling divisional opponents late in the season, this most likely will be an effective way to continue to attract fans.

So, with that backdrop, read on below or simply click here to visit the sidelionreport.com website – BTW, it’s one of the most impressive sites on fansided.com’s NFL network. Check it out.

Home » 2012 Season » Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions Preview with Lombardi Ave

Thanks to the way the NFL crafted the 2012 schedule, the Detroit Lions have completed their seasons series with the Minnesota Vikings before seeing the Green Bay Packers for the first time. The division schedule is even more backloaded for the Green Bay Packers who have yet to face the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions and have played just one game against the Chicago Bears.

The Lions and Packers may be familiar foes but the odd schedule creates a unique first meeting this season. I got together with Ray Rivard, editor at Lombardi Ave, to get a Packers-minded perspective ahead of this week’s game.

1. How big of a deal are the Packers’ injuries for this week’s game against the Lions?

Lombardiave.com editor Ray Rivard.
Douglas Etten photograph

Ray Rivard: Injuries play a big role for all teams, the Packers included. However, with so many guys out, it’s going to be a bid deal for the remainder of the season for the Packers. The biggest loss this week will be Clay Matthews. The Packers will be playing rookie Dezman Moses in his place. While Moses has been a pleasant surprise as an undrafted free agent, this will be his best test. Packers fans hope it’s his coming out party. “Next man up” has been the Packers mantra again this year and it seems the coaching staff schemes well enough to bring out the best in the replacements. Our only hope is that it continues.

2. So now Tramon Williams thinks he’s Optimus Prime? Convince me that talking about shutting down Calvin Johnson isn’t just foolish.

RR: No question it’s a foolish move. However, if Williams can be a part of slowing Johnson down and keeping him out of the end zone, we may just have to start calling him Optimus Prime!

3. Who needs to have a better game on Sunday: Packers offense or Packers defense?

Aaron Rodgers.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

RR: We all know that the Packers offense has been pretty consistent overall. I think the onus falls on the defense. The key will be getting off the field on third down and if the Lions do put some drives together, that the defense holds them to field goals instead of touchdowns. If the defense can keep the Lions out of the end zone, the offense will do enough to outscore the Lions. You can always count on Aaron Rodgers for at least a couple of touchdown passes.

4. What area do the Lions need to exploit to give themselves the best chance of pulling out a win?

RR: If the Lions can somehow get a couple of turnovers and win the field position battle with the Packers, they could make a game out of it. However, if the field tilts in the Packers favor, you might as well stick a fork in the Lions. When the Packers play on a short field, they tend to score touchdowns. The Packers will also probably try to run the ball out of the blocks and if the Lions can shut that part of the game down, then they will have a much better shot at putting pressure on Aaron Rodgers – and we all know what happens when that occurs.

5. Are Packers fans concerned with trying to catch the Bears in the NFC North or is it just about getting into the playoffs?

RR: Being down by just a game with seven to play, catching the Bears could occur as early as this weekend. I don’t think that’s a huge concern. The biggest thing is simply making it into the Playoffs at this point. Even if they don’t win the division, getting into the tournament is crucial. What might be really fun is that if that occurs, they may end up playing the Bears again at some point.

Jordy Nelson.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

6. What is your take on the game and what is your prediction?

RR: I think the Packers finally get a semblance of a running game going early in this one, opening up many opportunities for Aaron Rodgers and his receiving crew. The Lions will probably rack up some yards and stats, but I think the defense makes just enough big plays to control the Lions’ offense. I also feel the Packers special teams (with the exception of place kicking) is much better than that put on the field by the Lions. I think that will play a huge role in the outcome of this game. In the end, the Packers will be too much for the Lions. Packers 31, Lions 19

Stay up to date with SideLion Report on facebook, and twitter. Follow @FanSidedNFL on twitter for great content from around the NFL.

Jan 1, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker A.J. Hawk (50) breaks up the pass intended for Detroit Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew (87) during the game at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Lions 45-41. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

This week, we had the privilege to spend time with Zac Snyder, the editor at Fansided.com’s Detroit Lions site, Sidelionreport.com.

We spent some time asking and he took the time to answer our questions about this weekend’s NFC North Division matchup between the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions.

Our Q&A is below. Enjoy …

Nov 11, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) reacts after a fumble during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Lions 34-24. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-US PRESSWIRE

Q. Calvin Johnson isn’t having a poor year by NFL standards, but he hasn’t reached the bar he has set for himself, especially when it comes to getting in the end zone. What do the Lions need to do to get him the ball for touchdowns?

A. Calvin Johnson has no stated goal for number of touchdowns in a season. He did say that he would like to have 100 receiving yards in every game he plays as that is the level he feels he needs to say he helped the team. He has hit the 100-yard mark in five of nine games this season but does have a per game average of 108.2, a hair over three yards more than he averaged last season. He’s also catching 6.7 passes per game as opposed to 6.0 per game a year ago. Calvin isn’t getting into the end zone himself but he’s often a big reason why the Lions are in position to score a touchdown, even if it ultimately goes to someone else. Not getting tackled inside the five yard line is one thing that could change that would result in more touchdowns for Calvin.

Q. With the Lions running game in the crapper, the Lions are very much like the Packers in that they have to rely on moving the ball through the air. The Packers have had success in winning games that way, the Lions not so much … what’s the difference?

A. The Lions have made a bigger effort to run the ball this year but that has sometimes been met with resistance from fans. That being said, the Lions have a 4.1 yards per carry average to rank in the middle of the NFL pack so it isn’t like they are totally inept – they just aren’t always successful and the opportunities they take to run the ball are often predictable. The good news is that the Lions have ten rushing touchdowns after totally only nine a year ago. The difference between the Lions and Packers in their passing attacks is the level of consistency. The Lions have been terribly slow starters and often can’t find their way in the passing game until it seemingly opens up in the second half as they try to pull their way out of a hole.

Nov 11, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (90) looks on prior to the game against the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-US PRESSWIRE

Q. We all remember “the stomp” in last year’s Thanksgiving Day game won by the Packers. Do you think that incident will play any kind of motivational role in Sunday’s game?

A. The biggest role the incident will play is for the FOX Network. They will probably beat the dead horse to super-death and show the replay several times between the start of the pregame show to the final whistle of the game. I don’t think the Lions or Suh need any motivation behind simply wanting to beat the Packers.

Q. Aaron Rodgers is on pace again for a possible run at another MVP. Do the Lions have the answer to slowing down Rodgers and what do you think is their best tactic – stop the run first and then get after Mr. Rodgers? Or just pin the defensive linemen’s ears back and let them get the pressure on Rodgers?

A. The Lions look no further than the last time they beat the Packers at Ford Field in 2010. Rodgers averaged just 4.2 yards per attempt, threw an interception and was sacked twice before ultimately being knocked out with a concussion. The Lions have to take advantage of a beat up offensive line to put pressure on Rodgers like they did in 2010 in hopes of forcing some errors.

Nov 4, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) during the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Cardinals 31-17. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

Q. The Lions have their backs against the wall and are in desperation mode if they feel they have any chance of making the playoffs. Are the playoffs still being mentioned or are the Lions looking more at being spoilers?

A. Talk linking the Lions and the playoffs is mostly centered around the thought that last week’s loss to the Vikings closed the door. It is technically still possible but we realize it will take running the table or losing just once more. Considering the remaining schedule, that is unlikely and fans know it.

Q. With the disappointing start to the Lions’ season, is Jim Schwartz in an danger of losing his job?

A. I’m starting to hear a few fans question the coaching staff but most of that is directed at the coordinators, particularly Scott Linehan. A more knee-jerk organization might consider it but even then I have a hard time seeing how anyone could call for Jim Schwartz’s head this early.

Q. Give us your take on this game and, of course, give us a final score.

A. The Packers are a solid team while the Lions are a box of chocolates. I have no idea what we’ll get so all I can do is predict what I feel we’re most likely to get: Packers 27, Lions 20.

Aaron Rodgers will be key in the Packers attack against the Lions once again this season. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

In going through the Detroit Lions‘ schedule this year, Sidelion’s Zac Snyder and I exchanged questions and answers about the Packers.

Our Q&A session was recently published on the Fansided.com’s Lions site and is offered up here for your review.

Don’t hesitate to slide on over to Snyder’s excellent site for a plethora of valuable information about the much-improved Lions – or you can take the shortcut and read the Q&A below and then go to Sidelion to see what’s new after you’re done reading.

Detroit Lions 2012 Schedule Preview: Green Bay Packers

Matt Flynn threw for 480 yards and 6 touchdowns against the Detroit Lions - franchise records. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Matt Flynn … holy cow.

The Green Bay Packers’ backup quarterback’s name will forever be linked with that latter phrase, not only in Packers Nation, but across the NFL.

In fact, his six touchdown passes today will not only be admired by Packers coaches, players and fans, but it no doubt will lead to a big payday in the coming months. That said, it most likely will not be with the Green Bay Packers.

So, what about the game?

Well, to say the Packers’ 45-41 win over the Detroit Lions on this first day of 2012 was a shootout is a vast understatement. Flynn and Matthew Stafford, quarterback of  the playoff-bound Detroit Lions, went toe-to-toe in this one, punching and counterpunching all day long, matching touchdown for touchdown.

In the end, they combined for 1,000 passing yards and 11 touchdowns – an NFL record.

With those numbers, the impression was there was no defense in this one. You could certainly argue that, but in siding with the Packers, they played without linebacker Clay Matthews and Charles Woodson as coach Mike McCarthy reached deep into his bench on that side of the ball to give his starters time to rest and to give the backups some much-needed game experience.

For more about this incredible game, take the jump and don’t forget to Like Lombardiave.com at Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

(more…)

Clearly, the Lions are excited about making the NFC Playoffs

With the Green Bay Packers having nothing really to play for tomorrow other than how nice it would be to have a record of 15-1, the Lions come into Lambeau Field needing to win so they don’t end up playing the New Orleans Saints.

At least they have something for which to bust their butts.

So, with that said, I’ve put together this little poll for you:

Dom Capers, pictured here with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, sees the good and the bad with his defense. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers has gone on record about his 31st ranked defense, saying that it’s never too late to rectify a poor performance because each week is a different outing and a new situation.

He said there have been positives and negatives with his squad this year, but that it was his squad’s ability to keep opposing teams out of the end zone and to take the ball away from them were the two keys that have helped the Packers win 14 games to date.

Don’t forget to like Lombardiave.com on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

(more…)

Aaron Rodgers was super again today in Detroit.

Aaron Rodgers’ big second half, a strong defensive effort with two huge interceptions in the final 30 minutes, and a “biggest turkey of the day” performance for a boy named Suh led the Green Bay Packers to a 27-8 Thanksgiving Day win over the always tough Detroit Lions.

Playing again with a bend, don’t break attitude, the Packers defense came up with big plays, while Rodgers hit James Jones for a Lion back-breaking 65-yard touchdown pass in the second half.
And while the Packers move to 11-0, I make my way to the dinner table, some delicious food and will give thanks for all that is right in the world along with my family.

Oh, and BTW, I think Evan Dietrich-Smith, who came in for Josh Sitton early in the game and played Suh quite well before “the stomp,” should have been awarded the “Galloping Gobbler.”

Sorry Aaron!

This boy named Suh was the “turkey of the day” … And like all turkeys today, he also lost his head

Here’s what our fiends over at The Sidelion Report have to say today -

Chris Czar: Something tells me the Lions woke up in the second half of Sunday’s win against the Carolina Panthers. The Lions looked like the team we saw in first 5 weeks of season. Matt Stafford played his best game after a miserable start, Kevin Smith was excellent in his vindication and Ndamukong Suh finally looked like the player he was last year. I think it carries over this week. It’s not going to be easy, but Smith will run the ball effectively and the defensive line provides just enough pressure on Aaron Rodgers for the Lions to hold on in a very, very close game. Detroit Lions 31, Green Bay Packers 28

Like Lombardiave on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

(more…)

Packers fans are hoping to have plenty to cheer about today.

The Packers biggest game of the year is today as they take on the Detroit Lions for the highly hyped Thanksgiving Day match-up.

With the groundwork laid, Zac Snyder over at SideLion Report posed some interesting questions, which I agreed to answer.

Here’s how we are looking at today’s match-up:

So, the Lions play a pretty big game on Thursday, have you heard?
In preparation of the Lions game against the Green Bay Packers I sent a few questions over to Ray Rivard, editor of Lombardi Ave, and he was kind enough to take a few minutes to answer my curiosities regarding the Packers.

Zac Snyder: It feels odd to face a division rival for the first time this late in the season. We all know about the Packers’ perfect record but what else would you add to summarize their season so far?

Ray Rivard: It feels VERY odd to be facing the Lions for the first time this late in the season. For years, it seemed like the Packers and Lions faced off within the first couple of games. But that aside, with so much season history already laid down, this will probably be the best face-off in years.

(more…)

Ndamukong Suh and the Detroit Lions await the arrival of Aaron Rodgers and the Packers in the North Division rivals' first encounter of the year Thanksgiving Day.

Zac Snyder, the editor over at the Fansided site, SideLion Report, took time out of his busy schedule this week to answer some questions thrown his way about the Packers vs. Lions throwdown in Detroit Thanksgiving Day.

Q. The Packers know their number one need is to neutralize Calvin “Megatron” Johnson. Everyone on the planet knows that Johnson has been a “Packer killer” since joining the league. The question is this: How have other teams slowed Johnson and do you feel the Packers have the manpower to do it?

A: The only way to slow Calvin Johnson is to slow Matthew Stafford. Those two, not coincidentally, had their worst game of the year against Chicago two weeks ago. Johnson has at least five catches in every game this season except for one.

While he had just three catches against Kansas City, two of them were for touchdowns. It’s possible to slow Calvin by rolling coverage his way but the Lions have a number of other options. What’s the point in slowing one player if you’re just going to get beat by others? Matthew Stafford threw five touchdown passes last week and they all went to different players and not one of them was named Calvin Johnson.

You can bet that the Panthers aren’t pointing to the fact that they held Johnson out of the end zone.

Like Lombardiave.com on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

(more…) ]]> http://lombardiave.com/2011/11/23/sidelion-report-sounds-off-on-thanksgiving-throwdown-in-detroit/feed/ 0 http://lombardiave.com/2011/11/22/suh-says-lion-on-level-of-packers/ http://lombardiave.com/2011/11/22/suh-says-lion-on-level-of-packers/#comments Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:52:25 +0000 Raymond Rivard http://lombardiave.com/2011/11/22/suh-says-lion-on-level-of-packers/ Never one for understatement, Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh told the Green Bay Packers media that he and his teammates are not intimidated by the Packers and went so far as to say the Lions are at the same level as the Packers. Bulletin board material? Maybe not, but it’s a statement that is surely [...]

Suh says Lions at same level as Packers - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

Never one for understatement, Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh told the Green Bay Packers media that he and his teammates are not intimidated by the Packers and went so far as to say the Lions are at the same level as the Packers.

Bulletin board material?

Maybe not, but it’s a statement that is surely going to raise an eyebrow or two.

“By all means, do I think our team is at their level, to be able to play against them,” Suh said. “I don’t see them as a golden-perfect team. Everybody has flaws in this league, but everybody has great things they do. It’s just a matter of eliminating mistakes on our time and on our team and causing them to make as many mistakes as possible.”

Suh could certainly be right about the mistake factor in Thursday’s game as everyone knows the team that makes the fewest mistakes is most likely to win.

Both teams also played one another evenly last year as the Packers won the opener at Lambeau 28-26. The Lions came back to win the second game 7-3 after Aaron Rodgers was knocked out of the game with a concussion.

So which team comes out on top this time around? It will depend on turnovers and which team controls the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.

Like Lombardiave.com on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

]]>