The Green Bay Packers face a critical matchup against the Detroit Lions this Thursday at Ford Field. Here’s why they have a strong chance to pull off the upset and close the gap in the NFC North standings.
1. The Lions’ Depleted Defense
Injuries have decimated Detroit’s defense, leaving them without key contributors. Five Week 1 starters from their defensive front—Aidan Hutchinson, Levi Onwuzurike, Kyle Peko, Alex Anzalone, and Derrick Barnes—will miss the game. Additionally, defensive linemen D.J. Reader, Josh Paschal, and key reserves like Malcolm Rodriguez and John Cominsky are also sidelined.
The Lions’ ability to pressure quarterbacks has taken a massive hit, with 18.5 of their 30 sacks and over half of their quarterback hits and tackles for loss unavailable due to injuries. Hutchinson’s absence alone creates a void, as he leads the team in sacks (7.5), tackles for loss (7), and quarterback hits (17).
While Za’Darius Smith has provided some pass-rushing ability, the Lions’ injuries raise questions about how defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn will adjust his scheme. Will Detroit lean on a conservative approach to protect their secondary or take an aggressive stance despite their personnel challenges? The Packers will need to prepare for adjustments on the fly.
2. Josh Jacobs and the Packers’ Ground Game
Green Bay struggled offensively in their earlier loss to Detroit, but their running game, led by Josh Jacobs, was a bright spot. Jacobs rushed for 89 yards on 10 carries in the first half alone.
Though Detroit’s defense has been stout overall, their run defense ranks 15th in yards allowed per carry (4.37) and will be without several key players on the defensive line and at linebacker. The Packers, boasting the NFL’s fifth-ranked rushing attack, have the advantage of a cohesive offensive line that has enabled six games with 160+ rushing yards.
Jacobs, fourth in the league in rushing, excels at breaking tackles and gaining yards after contact, ranking among the NFL’s best in those categories. If Green Bay can establish their running game early, they can exploit Detroit’s patchwork defensive front.
3. Strong Starts
Fast starts have been critical to the Packers’ recent success. In last year’s win in Detroit, Green Bay opened with consecutive 75-yard touchdown drives, taking a 14-0 lead before building a 20-6 advantage in the first quarter.
During their current three-game winning streak, the Packers have outscored opponents 31-3 in the first quarter, often seizing early control. In those games, they’ve also excelled at beginning the second half strong, ranking second in the NFL with 48 points scored on opening second-half drives.
By jumping out to an early lead, Green Bay can quiet the rowdy Ford Field crowd, avoid third-and-long situations, and limit Detroit’s ability to mount second-quarter surges, where they’ve been dominant.
Green Bay’s ability to start fast and sustain momentum could prove decisive in a game where playoff hopes and divisional positioning are on the line.
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