For all the marbles…well not quite, but almost, anyway. Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers play host to the Detroit Lions later today. And the winner, well, they’ll take the lead in the highly competitive NFC North. Even more than that, the winner might be the current number one seed in the NFC.
If you would have told me before the season that the Packers would be heading into week nine at 6-2 and playing the Detroit Lions for the division lead, I would have told you to sign me up all day every day. Also, I would have assumed that Jordan Love would have been having an MVP season.
Of course, this isn’t what is happening. For once, Green Bay has been playing complimentary football to win games. Long gone are the days of needing Aaron Rodgers to play hero ball for the Packers to win. This iteration of the Packers has a complete emphasis on team. And honestly, they will need all hands on deck for this one because Detroit is arguably the best team in football right now.
Detroit Lions
The Lions are 6-1 having only lost to the Buccaneers (when they were at full strength). In their last four games, Detroit has scored 42, 47, 31, and 52 points. That is an average of 43 points per game over that stretch. With their record thus far, the Lions currently have the number one seed. Green Bay will need to be ready to go from the beginning in this one.
Jordan Love Is Gonna Go
Last week, during the Jaguars game, Jordan Love injured his groin and had to sit out the rest of the game. Green Bay still won the game with Malik Willis, but questions about Love’s injury continued to linger after zeroes. Monday, an MRI revealed good news for the Packers as Love avoided a long term injury. And after being limited during the week, it was revealed Saturday that Love will play against the Lions.
Love will look to continue to be aggressive against this Lions secondary while hopefully reducing the interceptions. Green Bay will need explosive plays versus the Lions because a dink and dunk offensive against this defense can only lead to disaster. But, to set up the explosive plays, the Packers need a run game. Obviously Love is key to a Green Bay victory, but Josh Jacobs is probably just as important, if not more important.
This is even more true because of Love’s limitations with his mobility.
Jared Goff a MVP Candidate
How about the other quarterback in this game? Jared Goff has been playing out of his mind this season. He also sustained an injury last week but will play. Goff has been averaging 74.1% completion percentage. He has also thrown for 13 touchdowns compared to only four interceptions.
Earlier this season, against the Seahawks, Jared Goff even had a game where he completed every one of his throws. He has been an absolute surgeon.
More Than Just Jordan Love, What About the Defense?
So, obviously the Packers will need to score to keep up with Detroit but the defense will need to find ways to get a few stops too. To do this, they absolutely have to get a pass rush going, which has been the weak part of this much-improved defense.
Jeff Hafley’s defense has created a ton of simulated pressure and has forced many turnovers, but simulated pressure will not be enough to force turnovers against Jared Goff. The Packers will need to get Goff off of his spot especially since he is dealing with an ankle injury.
So, the Packers will need to pressure Goff and of course get a couple of turnovers. Can X get another one? It’ll go a long way in helping the Packers win this one.
Other GameDay Notes
Finally, that Green Bay homefield advantage needs to take over. The fans need to show up and the weather needs to show up too. The Lions haven’t played outdoors yet this season which is completely mind blowing to me. But nope, they haven’t played outside yet.
So, what is the weather gonna be like during kickoff?
Let’s just say this, the Packers have already played on a couple of different slippery fields this season. I can’t say the same for the Lions.
Rumor has it that Goff doesn’t play well in the elements. Additionally, Jared Goff somehow hasn’t played in the rain since 2021.
Green Bay doesn’t need to rely on the elements to win though. They just need to go out there and play a complete football game. If they do this, run the ball well to set up some explosive plays, and play aggressive on defense, then the Packers will be number one in the NFC North heading into their bye week.
Go Pack Go!
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Damon is a diehard, fully-immersed cheesehead who currently lives in southern Missouri. He teaches at a local high school and has a family YouTube channel about all things Packers. You can follow him on twitter at @packersfamily and on YouTube at The Packers Family.
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