Packers: Lions expert previews key matchups in Week 5 game

Ahead of the Green Bay Packers’ Week 5 game against the Detroit Lions, we spoke to SideLion Report.

This is an important game for both the Packers and Lions.

It’s a must win for the hosts. A fourth loss in five weeks would potentially end Detroit’s playoff hopes.

While the Packers don’t need a win quite as desperately, a loss would put them 2-2-1 after five games, still behind the 3-1 Chicago Bears, who are on bye.

Despite the Lions’ slow start to 2018, this will be a very difficult game for Mike McCarthy’s team.

To get some insight on the Lions ahead of this important divisional showdown, I spoke with Steven Mullenax, site expert for SideLion Report.

After losing three of their first four games, what has been the biggest problem for the Lions this season?

SM: Well, there have been several issues across the board for Detroit.

But the biggest is likely their inability to stop the run. Currently ranked dead last in rushing defense, the Lions have allowed a whopping 631 yards on the ground to opposing offenses in just four games. In fact, two of the top three rushing leaders in the NFL (Ezekiel Elliott, Matt Breida) have faced off against the Motor City.

These issues start up front, as the Lions’ defensive line has struggled to close running lanes. Combined with new head coach Matt Patricia still trying to implement his multiple defensive scheme, the learning curve has been steep.

Kerryon Johnson is averaging 5.7 yards per carry compared to LeGarrette Blount‘s 2.7 average. Should Johnson be given a featured role, and why do you think the carries has been split so far this year?

SM: Early on I predicted that Johnson would eventually overtake Blount as the Lions starting running back at some point this season. But as of now, it appears Patricia is satisfied with the split in carries between all three of their running backs, including Theo Riddick.

Johnson has a long, troubling injury history that extends all the way back to high school. So, this could simply be a case of Detroit being mindful of that history and not looking to overexpose their second-round investment.

Still, I believe Johnson will continue string together solid performances that will eventually force the team’s hand and give the rookie the bulk of the carries moving forward.

What has been the biggest positive and negative for the Lions after four games?

SM: I believe the biggest overall negative has been the team’s inability to stop the run.

The biggest positive has been the improved play of second-year wide receiver Kenny Golladay and the Lions’ running game. Golladay proved he could be an explosive playmaker through his rookie season but was far too inconsistent.

In his second year, he’s proven to be a much more reliable target for quarterback Matthew Stafford, racking up 23 receptions for 330 yards and two touchdowns in only four games. That’s very impressive when you consider he recorded a total of 28 catches for 477 yards and three scores in his entire rookie year.

And the fact that rookie running back Kerryon Johnson recorded the first 100-yard running game for Detroit since 2013 tells you how much their rushing attack has improved.

What will be the key matchup in Sunday’s game?

SM: For me, the key matchup is Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers versus the Detroit Lions defense. The Lions currently rank third in passing defense. But that is in large part a result of their inability to stop opposing rushers.

Although I expect Green Bay to try an exploit Detroit’s issues on the ground, I still think it will be key for this defense to try and limit Rodgers as much as possible. It’s a tall task, but these two divisional foes know each other so well it’s always competitive.

This will be another major test for Patricia and just how far along the Lions’ defense is in learning and implementing his new scheme.

What’s your prediction for the game?

SM: The Lions are coming off three really good efforts. Detroit nearly stole two games on the road against the San Francisco 49ers in Week Two and the Dallas Cowboys in Week Four. They also had an impressive Week Three victory at home over the heavily favored New England Patriots.

Returning to Ford Field, I believe the Lions will once again be in reach of a victory late. But I also believe Rodgers’ public frustration will result in a stellar performance by the talented quarterback on the road.

This one will be close with the Lions, once again, coming up just short. Green Bay Packers 27, Detroit Lions 23.