Three Questions: Packers V Lions

The Packers travel to Detroit to take on the Lions today in what could be a game that Packers fans remember down the stretch. With two more division games to follow, this Lions game looms large for a week three game.

Much has been made of the fact that the Packers will let fans know who they are in this game. I disagree. The Packers have already shown who they are…talented but inconsistent. One game cannot convince me that this team will consistently play up to its talent level. If the Packers show dominance in this game, I will be waiting to see them put two such games together adding a great performance against the Bears. I still want to see this team perform well against a strong coaching staff like the Belichick led Patriots.

That said, they all come ONE game at a time. I so want to see this team become the dominant team that I know it can be and it starts today. The road to consistency begins in Detroit. Let’s go Pack! Here are three questions that the Packers need to answer today to get a win.

Can Green Bay stop the run?

Green Bay’s defense is ranked 31st against the run. And they aren’t going to get any respite this week against Bush, Bell, and the Lions. If the Packers cannot stop the run, the game opens up for Stafford and company to dictate on offense and with Megatron, Tate and Ebron all in the mix, it could be a long day for the defense if the Lions can pick and choose and mix it up.

If, on the other hand, the Packers can stop the run, The Lions will be forced to pass. This is no great disadvantage for a Lions team that has multiple weapons including Reggie Bush who is an excellent pass-catching running back and dangerous in space. But without a running game, the Packers will have a better chance to get pressure on Matthew Stafford, who is prone to make mistakes when pressured.

Can the offense get the run game going?

The Packers rush offense is ranked 26th in the league and that needs to change if the Packers are going to beat the Lions. The Jets defense was good but the Lions have the second ranked defense in the league and are coming loaded for bear.

If the Packers can get Eddie Lacy going early, however, it bodes well for our offense which has it’s won bevy of weapons. Running at pressure is one of the best ways to take it away and the Packers will need to do better starting at the front line to have success against a very good Lions defense.  But if they can give Lacy a seam and Lacy takes advantage of it…watch out! The Lions do NOT want to have to stack the box against Aaron Rodgers and the Packers offense.

Can the defense get pressure on Matt Stafford?

As mentioned above, if the Packers stop the run early, there will be opportunities to get pressure on Matthew Stafford. If they can get consistent pressure, good things will happen including possible forced fumbles, missed passes, and possibly interceptions.

The Packers added Julius Peppers this off-season for games such as this (and next week against the Bears). If he and Matthews start to come together (literally), it could get very interesting.

Go Pack!!!

Well those are three things I will be looking for in a game that could come down to turnovers to determine the outcome. What will you be looking for? Let me know in the comments section below.

GO PACK!!!