Tex's Friday Preview - Lions

by texwestern on Oct 16, 2009 1:28 PM CDT

Well, we're back into it after a long bye week, made even longer by the aftermath of the game in the Metrodome. Luckily, the Packers return home to a beatable division team in the Detroit Lions, likely without two of their biggest offensive weapons. That said, this is the NFL, and the talent is too spread out to take anything for granted this season--except maybe beating the Jaguars (upon further review, that wouldn't be an easy game either). I mean, hell, Antwan Odom sacked Aaron Rodgers 5 times a few weeks back. As Mitchell might say, OMGWTFBBQ!?

So what are the key factors for this game, you ask? Well, you came to the right place. Let's take a look.

1. The return of Atari Bigby

The key here isn't how Bigby plays, it's with Capers' playcalling now that he has his physical safety back in the lineup. I expect more of the creative blitzing packages that were called in the Bears game as opposed to the more passive approach that has been taken since Bigby was injured. With Culpepper and the issue of his small hands, I think that a consistently effective pass rush can force a few fumbles and erratic throws. And as we've established, turnovers are one of the keys for this defense.

2. The "restored" Offensive line

I know, normally I would look for issues that aren't widely talked about. But this one is too big to ignore. Chad Clifton's return allows the line to return to its season-opening personnel, which performed moderately well against a strong Bears front (if you ignore the fact that Allen Barbre forgot to show up for the first half). I expect Mark Tauscher to be inactive on Sunday, so don't worry about him. I just hope this unit makes it through this game healthy and keeps Rodgers off his back.

3. Greg Jennings

What happened to the superstar? Are teams keying on the Packers' 85 and making the other receivers beat them? If that's the case, I'm confident that Jennings can beat whatever double coverage the Lions throw at him. If it's something else, then I just don't know. Maybe that wrist injury is hurting him more than he or McCarthy let on. No matter what, I think a game against the Lions is just what the doctor ordered for the Ocho Cinco who wears Green and Gold (and therefore, for my fantasy team as well).

Since I've made a fool of myself predicting the scores of games so far this year, I won't attempt to put a score up there. But I think the Pack wins by 8.

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Comments

As Mitchell might say, WTF, mate?

When do I ever say that?

You were spot on with all three points. Jennings has been MIA for too long; I look forward to him burning Philip Buchanon and/or Louis Delmas.

"Brandon Jennings needs a nickname before he gives himself one. Oh wait, Young Money, he already did."

by Mitchell Maurer on Oct 16, 2009 1:48 PM CDT reply actions

Oh crap.

I confused you with David. You may hit me.

"Career highlights? I had two. I got an intentional walk from Sandy Koufax and I got out of a rundown against the Mets." - Bob Uecker

by texwestern on Oct 16, 2009 2:05 PM CDT up reply actions

I fixed it with something more similar to a Mitchell reaction.

"Career highlights? I had two. I got an intentional walk from Sandy Koufax and I got out of a rundown against the Mets." - Bob Uecker

by texwestern on Oct 16, 2009 2:07 PM CDT up reply actions

OMGWTFBBQ

was brought into popularity by John. Once again, FAIL.

"Brandon Jennings needs a nickname before he gives himself one. Oh wait, Young Money, he already did."

by Mitchell Maurer on Oct 16, 2009 2:11 PM CDT up reply actions

My Take

An NFL team can’t overlook any game because there are always surprises waiting around the corner. With that said, with Calvin Johnson doubtful for the game on Sunday, if the Packers don’t blow them out or win convincingly I’m gonna be extremely disappointed.

The Lions defense has very good coaching at this point but their personnel are really pretty bad. Jason Hunter was the last DE on the Packers for a couple of seasons behind even the declining KGB and he’s starting for the Lions at this point. Ernie Sims looked to be a better pick than Hawk and now he’s in the dog house not looking very promising. Their secondary is bad and they give up the most points in the NFL.

On offense Kevin Smith is solid but he’s like Grant, he needs large holes to be productive and he’s not getting any. Calvin Johnson is the single threat that scares teams and he probably won’t play so the Packers defense should be able to pin their ears back and not worry about getting beat deep. If they don’t blow the Lions out without Calvin Johnson, there is something seriously wrong. Calvin Johnson was the sole reason they were even in the game last year against the Packers.

by GGGamer on Oct 16, 2009 5:03 PM CDT reply actions

jags 20- packers 16

beating the jags this season is a given? please. jags are not even in discussion for the worst team in the league. jags and pack both have 2 wins, and theres teams out there like the raiders browns and bucs.

by Yonda on Oct 17, 2009 4:20 AM CDT reply actions

You're right...

That was a dumb comment on my part. I can’t say I’ve seen the Jags play this season, and I whipped this article up on a smaller amount of time than I usually do. If anything, I should have called out the Rams, your next opponent, whom I have picked the Jaguars to handle with ease. I’m confident that if our teams played, Green Bay would get the victory, but we would certainly have to earn the victory.

I hope you won’t hold this against me or, more importantly, Packers fans as a whole.

"Career highlights? I had two. I got an intentional walk from Sandy Koufax and I got out of a rundown against the Mets." - Bob Uecker

by texwestern on Oct 17, 2009 8:15 AM CDT up reply actions