Green Bay Packers 2019 opponent preview: Detroit Lions
After losing their past four games against the Detroit Lions, can the Green Bay Packers get back on track in this rivalry in 2019?
To be fair, the Green Bay Packers have been without Aaron Rodgers for most of those games. Brett Hundley started in both losses to the Lions in 2017, and DeShone Kizer played almost the entire game in Week 17 last year after Rodgers exited early with a concussion.
But the fact is the Packers are 0-4 since the start of 2017 against their divisional rival. Will that change in 2019?
Last season
Despite sweeping the Packers last season, the Lions finished in fourth place in the NFC North with a 6-10 record.
When are the games?
The Packers’ schedule features a number of home games early, and the first meeting with the Lions takes place in Week 6 at Lambeau Field. The game will be played on Monday Night Football on Monday, Oct. 14.
The two teams don’t meet again until Week 17 at Ford Field on Sunday, Dec. 29. It’s the fourth year in a row that the Packers will play the Lions in the final game of the season.
Offseason additions
The Lions’ biggest offseason move was signing former Patriots edge rusher Trey Flowers, reuniting him with Lions head coach Matt Patricia. Detroit also signed cornerback Justin Coleman, tight end Jesse James and another former Patriot, wide receiver Danny Amendola.
Detroit continued to add to its offense by using the eighth overall pick in the draft on Iowa tight end T.J. Hockenson, a player many analysts predicted would land in Green Bay.
Last meeting with Packers
Dec. 30, 2018: Lions won 31-0 at Lambeau Field
Player to watch
Kerryon Johnson: Despite missing six games due to injury, Kerryon Johnson impressed in his rookie season, rushing for 641 rushing yards and three touchdowns. He averaged 5.4 yards per carry, which was second in the league behind Aaron Jones.
Johnson is also a talented pass catcher — he had 213 receiving yards and a touchdown last season.
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In both games against the Lions, the Packers will need to be able to stop the run and force them to win through the air.