(Photo: Clutchpoints)
NFC Game Of The Week
Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers
Lions: They were able to bounce back nicely after a tough loss in week two against the Seattle Seahawks. I remember after the big win in Kansas City over the Chiefs, people wanted to discredit the win because the defending champs were without Travis Kelly and Chris Jones. When I heard that, all I could say to myself is when have we ever discredited a win and most importantly, why are we discrediting a win? These are questions that need answers and it was a big way for them to open up their season on the road in a hostile environment against the defending Super Bowl champions who have arguably the best Quarterback in the game. I’m often asked what I like about this Lions team and I immediately start with the Head Coach. Dan Campbell is a coach filled with exuberance and energy who doesn’t hesitate to show his emotions. Plus, he’s a former player and can relate to the ups and downs of what can be a long and emotional season in the NFL. These Lions leave it all on the field for Dan and I haven’t seen energy like this since the days of Jim Caldwell. I don’t even remember them playing this hard under Jim Schwartz at times and that leads back to what I always say about coaching these days. You will know when a team wants to play for its Head Coach because the effort will be on display. They will kick off week four tonight at historic Lambeaiu Field against a divisional rival to open up week four.
Packers: We all knew it’d be a different feel for them this year. Anyone who’s watched football these last two decades only know two Quarterbacks with this team. That’s Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers. Brett is now retired and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and after 18 seasons in Green Bay, the Packers decided to trade Aaron Rodgers to the New York Jets in April. I can sit here and tell you all the writing was on the wall for Aaron to be traded after they drafted a Quarterback named Jordan Love back in 2020. Now, it’s the Love era in Green Bay. I want to explain something here if I may. Offenses take a while to mesh in this league. I understand the Packers have always had one of the best offenses in the league back with 12 was under center for them. Jordan is still getting a feel for things at this level, but his numbers have impressed me so far. He’s thrown seven touchdown passes on the season to one lone interception. After watching their first game against the Bears, I noticed two things. The first was the offense making Aaron Jones the focal point of the attack. This is exactly what I called for with them last year because there were many new receivers and until the Quarterback is on the same page with those new weapons, run the football. Aaron impacts the game as both a rusher and pass catcher out of the backfield. The next was after that win in Chicago, I noticed how many of Jordan’s teammates rallied around him after his first win. As soon as I saw it, all I could say was “I didn’t see this with the previous Quarterback”. I’m just being honest. I see a gritty comeback from them in week three against the Saints. To be down 17 at home and rally back says a lot. Tonight, they welcome the Lions to town.
Lions X-Factor: Jahmyr Gibbs– He could blossom into something special if he’s continuously used and fed the football. The thing that surprises most people about Jahmyr is his ability to be a power runner and he isn’t afraid to pop a few defenders while running. He has excellent speed whether he’s carrying the football or catching it out the backfield. He has the speed to keep defenders on their toes in space. He’s become a nice safety blanket of some sort for Jared Goff.
Packers X-Factor: Rashan Gary– He was so dynamic during his days at Michigan and I remember being high on him. Rashan learned from both Smith bros before getting his chance to play. If you watch him, your first takeaway is how disruptive he is and even when he’s blocked out of the play, he will still hustle and get to the passer. There’s nothing fancy in his technique to get home. Rashan beats you with pure power, rush and speed as if he were an old-school guy coming off the edge.
Three Things I’m Watching
1. First Love– This is going to be my first time watching Jordan Love play. I’ve seen highlights and film, I’m ready to see what he’s made of as a Quarterback. His accuracy may need a little tightening up, but he’s got all the potential in the world. In some of his throws, you can definitely see Aaron Rodgers’ influence on him because Jordan’s release is similar to who he replaced. This will be his first primetime game at Lambeau.
2. Momentum?– The Lions defense was amazing on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons. First, they shut down Bijan Robinson and put the football in the hands of Desmond Ridder. The Detroit defenders swarmed to the football and sacked Desmond a total of seven times. It’s time to put that performance behind you, but build off of what you were able to do last weekend. Look for Aaron Glenn to call many different looks up front to confuse the young Quarterback.
3. Help Is Coming– Wide Receiver Christian Watson has yet to play this year and Aaron Jones missed the last two games with a hamstring injury. Both guys are expected tonight on the field. Last season, Christian was the one receiver Aaron often targeted. You all know how much I rave about Aaron Jones. I just wonder how healthy both guys are and could they make an impact for this offense tonight?
Final Thoughts: We have a divisional showdown here to open up week four. The last time we saw these two play, the Packers were fighting for a playoff spot in the NFC, while the Lions were eliminated from playoff contention, but looking to play spoiler and indeed they did spoil the Packers playoff chances by beating them. This would also be the final time we saw Aaron in a Packers uniform. The Packers offense is still gelling with one another and you clearly see they aren’t as formidable as they’ve been in years past. Look for Detroit to establish their ground attack and bottle up the Packers rushing attack with their defense. The Packers rushing defense hasn’t been that great this year and I expect the Lions to exploit that even more. Jordan Love is beating me tonight if I’m a Lions defender. He’s throwing the ball over the numbers and down the field any chance he can get. The Lions enter this game with the upper hand and that’s what will propel them to a victory tonight in Wisconsin.
Prediction: Lions 27, Packers 17
