Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions: Proven vs. Potential
By Josh McPeak
It might be difficult to call a contest a rivalry when one team (the Green Bay Packers) has won 17 out of the last 20 over an opponent (the Detroit Lions).
When the Packers roll into Detroit this coming Sunday, however, it will be just that – a rivalry.
The Lions embarrassed a depleted Packers unit last Thanksgiving and made it hard for most Packers fans to choke down their turkey. That was a day when it was even difficult to drown your sorrows in a few cold adult beverages due to the fact the pants were probably already unbuttoned.
Eddie Lacy will get his shot to increase his 2014 statistics Sunday against the Detroit Lions.
For the Detroit Lions getting over that giant hump of potential and entering the glory land of the proven has been a difficult task. If the Lions are to complete the mission, they must turn the tide against the Green Bay Packers.
Sunday will be a pivotal game as one team will leave a game below .500, while the winner could be in the early driver’s seat for the NFC North crown – a crown that the Packers have worn the past three seasons.
The 2013 NFL season was the perfect opportunity for the Lions to bring home a division championship to the city of Detroit. With Aaron Rodgers and Jay Cutler sidelined most of the season, it was Matthew Stafford’s time to shine.
Instead, they folded like a fourth quarter drive led by Tony Romo.
Most fans have already destroyed the panic button on the 2014 defense of the Pack. I am guilty of this as well, even though I stated numerous times it could take this new squad four to five weeks to gel and start clicking.
Losing mostly all of the core components to a defensive line from a season ago, while adding rookie Ha Ha Clinton-Dix at safety, moving Micah Hyde to safety, getting Julius Peppers comfortable to a new system/role and playing musical chairs at one of the inside linebacker positions during only two regular season games.
Jordy Nelson goes into Sunday’s matchup against the Detroit Lions as the league’s leading receiver.
That is an abundant number of changes for any squad to undergo and be held to massive expectations for improvement. Only giving up three second-half points to the Jets after getting blitzed for 21 points in the first half is a great sign of progress.
Detroit will probably get their fair share on offense come Sunday. Calvin Johnson is probably the most dominant player in the NFL. He is the Lebron James of the NFL. Jeremy Ross may even make a play or two on the special-teams side of things as he always seems to get fired up when he sees his former colors.
The key to victory for the Packers, however, may lean on the shoulders of the offensive line. Cam Newton was sacked five times during Sunday’s contest against the Lions.
Led by the model citizen, Ndamukong Suh, the Lions defense is second in the NFL versus the run, allowing 57.5 yards per-game. Aaron Rodgers’ release must be much quicker on Sunday as well, since the Lions also rank ninth versus the pass, only allowing 197.5 yards per-game.
Sunday is a huge test for one of the most talented teams in the league – on paper. If the Lions are to reach that next level they must first get past the Pack.
Green Bay has all but owned the “Motor City” over the last decade.
What do you think, Packers fans? Will the Packers continue their domination of the Lions?
The Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers will match up once again on Sunday. Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports photograph