The Packers will look to rebound after returning home to do battle with the Detroit Lions on Monday Night Football. Dismantled by the New Orleans Saints during their week one opener, the team scored just three points in a 38-3 blowout. Unable to muster anything up offensively, Green Bay saw quarterback Aaron Rodgers post a 13.4 QBR and a 36.8 passer rating while tossing two interceptions.
On the flip side of the ball, the Saints were able to have their way new defensive coordinator Joe Barry’s group. They rushed for 171 yards while seeing Jameis Winston toss five touchdown passes. Suffering a narrow defeat in their home opener against the San Francisco 49ers, the Lions scored two touchdowns in the game’s final two minutes to pull within eight. However, their comeback attempt would ultimately fall short after losing 41-33. With Matt Lafleur’s team leading the all-time series 102-72-7, here are three reasons the Packers will beat the Lions.
Three Reasons the Packers will beat the Lions
1. 6-0 after a loss since the 2019 season
Suffering only three regular-season losses during the Lafleur era, Green Bay remains perfect in being able to bounce back the following week, posting a perfect 6-0 record. Remaining consistent in his approach following a defeat, the 41-year-old head coach stresses consistency and the ability to hit the reset button to prepare for the following week.
Most notably last season, the team was able to defeat the Houston Texans 35-20 after falling 38-10 to the eventual world champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers in week five. Playing well on both sides of the football in all six games, the Packers did not turn the ball over on offense. In addition to this, the defense forced six turnovers, with their average margin of victory being almost two touchdowns.
2. 134.9 and 1.7
Two telling stats that explain the struggles the Lions defense endured during the 2020 season. Miserable against the run, the team allowed 134.9 yards per game. Along with this, they allowed 1.7 rushing touchdowns on average. Picked apart by the Packers in both contests a year ago, Aaron Jones rushed for 168 yards and two scores during their week two victory at Lambeau. Furthermore, he added 69 yards on the ground in week 16 at Ford Field.
Looking to get their rushing attack going after being unable to muster up anything a week ago, Green Bay amassed just 43 yards on the ground. Remaining thing at the linebacker spot, the Lions are prone to giving up chunk plays to opposing running backs. This should lead both Jones and AJ Dillon to play a significant role if the team hopes to be victorious.
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3. Undermanned in the Secondary
Young and undermanned in the secondary, Detroit ranked 30th in passing yards and 25th in passing completions given up per game a season ago. Allowing San Francisco to rack up 41 points last week, the group surrendered 314 yards and a passing score to Jimmy Garoppolo and company. In addition to this, they also lost their former fifth overall pick Jeff Okudah to an Achilles injury.
Turning to a young duo of Amani Oruwariye and Ifeatu Melifonwu, look for Rodgers to test both young defensive backs early and often. Tasked with slowing down star wideout Davante Adams and the rest of the team’s wide receiver room, look for defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to play a heavy dose of two deep man to give his young players some help. However, after one of his worst performances last Sunday, look for the reigning MVP to get back on track against a thin secondary. This makes it the final reason on our three reasons the Packers will beat the Lions list.
