Packers vs. Lions Primetime Preview

 

Packers vs. Lions Primetime Preview

The Packers take on the Lions in a matchup that will set the tone early in the NFC North standings. The Packers and Lions both share an identical record of 2-1 currently in the north.

            There is a ton of speculation surrounding this game specifically in Green Bay. The Packers played the Saints on Sunday without multiple starters on offense and defensive all-pro Jaire Alexander.

            Yesterday in a locker-room interview, Romeo Doubs may have accidentally leaked the status of Aaron Jones by saying, “We’ll have 33 back.” Christian Watson also stated, “That’s the plan” in regard to him possibly playing in his season debut on Thursday. Having both of these players in the mix on offense would be exciting as all weapons would be available for the first time this season.

            However, the offensive line is currently banged up. David Bakhtiari’s status is unknown at the time, Elgton Jenkins is expected to miss a few weeks, and Zach Tom left Sunday’s game with a knee injury. But Tom was listed as a limited participant for Tuesday’s practice giving a small glimmer of hope for his playing status on Thursday night.

            With the offensive line’s current situation, the Detroit Lions’ pass rush led by second-year star Aiden Hutchinson will present even more of a challenge to Green Bay’s offense. Getting the ball out of Jordan Love’s hands quickly is going to be a key factor in the outcome of this game.

            De’Vondre Campbell exited Sunday’s game as well with an ankle injury and wasn’t listed as a participant in Tuesday’s practice. Quay Walker will lead the linebacking core inside if Campbell is officially ruled out. Jaire Alexander was limited as well in Tuesday’s practice with a back injury that came out of nowhere last week before the game against the Saints.

            The Lions are dealing with multiple injuries up front starting with the season-ending ankle injury for starting tackle Matt Nelson that he suffered against Atlanta on Sunday. Other injuries up front for the Lions include tackle Taylor Decker, guard Jonah Jackson, center Frank Ragnow, and guard Halapoulivaati Vaitai. With these injuries up front, the Green Bay pass rush has the opportunity to create pressure all game and make it difficult for Jared Goff in the pocket. Running back David Montgomery was also listed as limited in practice the past two days for Detroit as well.

            The Lions since Dan Campbell took over have been a far more physical team than the Packers when they have played. But with the current injuries for the Lions, the Packers have the opportunity to flip the script and bite back against the Lions, especially after the loss that ended the season in Green Bay last season.

            It’s early in the season but as of right now, these are the clear-cut teams at the top of the NFC North. This game presents a challenge but also an opportunity for the young Green Bay Packers.

            Real Packer Fans Know🧀