Tomorrow is the big day, Detroit (7-3) vs Green Bay (10-0) at Ford Field startng at 12:30pm. The Packers are looking like a lock to be the NFC #1 seed, while Detroit is still fighting for a playoff spot. The last time the Pack played in Detroit, the Fearsome Foursome up front knocked this year's MVP out with a concussion and Detroit won 7-3. I think tomorrow will be a little higher scoring.
Green Bay's offense has been on the same page for almost 16 straight games. Rodgers has thrown 31 TDs in 10 games compared to just 4 interceptions. Hopefully Stafford doesn't match that total in the first quarter. One of the weaknesses of this team though is being able to protect the QB. They are breaking in 2 new linemen, and Rodgers has been sacked more through 10 games than he has in any other season. This weakness plays into the Lions biggest strength. Green Bay has a group of very athletic receivers that will challenge the Lion secondary more than any other team has this year.
Green Bay's defense has been getting better throughout the year, but one thing they have been good at for 2 seasons is creating turnovers. Their secondary plays very aggressively, which will result in some big plays but also some forced fumbles or jumped routes/ interceptions. Stafford will need to use his check downs a lot tomorrow to get consistent pick ups on 1st and 2nd down. Green Bay's Linebacking unit is one of the best in the NFL, they are very athletic, sure tacklers, and intense blitzers. Our offensive line will struggle a lot with all of Dom Caper's different blitz packages. Their defensive line is their "weakest" link of their defensive unit, but it is still above average. BJ Raji will have to be double teamed by our interior line almost every play.
If the Lions are going to move the ball against Green Bay, Kevin Smith is going to have to have another big game running and catching passes out of the backfield. It will also be exciting to see how the Pack try to cover Megatron. Last year they put Charles Woodson on him, and he did a great job at times, but Calvin was able to get open a few times down the field. I know Calvin Johnson didn't get into the endzone last weekend, and the Lions still won the game. I don't think this will happen again. I think Calvin will score 2 td's. Also, during the Monday night game Ford Field was rocking, causing 9 false start penalties by the Bears. How will the Pack handle the noise? I think the Lions play their best complete game of the season tomorrow, but I don't know if that is good enough to beat the reigning Super Bowl champions. I want the Lions to win tomorrow, but it has been a while since I have seen the Lions win on Thanksgiving Day. My prediction is GB 31 - DET 27
Go Blue (70 hours and counting)
I honestly think Detroit's secondary is the key to the game. We SUCK 10 yards off the line of scrimmage. If we somehow can neutralize the down the field big play, I really think we have a chance to make it an intersting game.
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