Lions vs Packers

No Better time to ROAR

Current record 0-1

By Mark A Halpern

Last week the lions were sleeping in the den most of the game but something awoke them, and they started playing football for real. Goff didn’t show up till late in the game, but the gridiron better watch out when he is awake. He is a true gunslinger and what I believe is the right Captain for this team. Even though the 49ers out played the Lions, they proved that this is a scary football team and a force to be reckoned with. 

     This week Lion’s take on their eternal rivals in the Green Bay Packers. This matchup is as good as Dallas vs. Giants, Jets vs. Miami, or let’s call it what it is, one of the longest-lasting feuds in the NFL. These two teams have met 183 times {2 in the playoffs} with the Packers winning 104 and the Lions 72 to go along with 7 ties. This matchup is always a good battle, from the kickoff to the final gun.

     This test will be a good one for both teams as they came off losses last week. The Packers were embarrassed by the New Orleans Saints 38-3. For the first time, we saw Aaron Rodgers be benched in favor of Jordan Love. It was a huge shock but not a complete surprise as Rodgers had a tiff with the Organization. He came out and acted like a rookie, and they treated him as one. Rodgers will start and is looking for blood for this gridiron battle on Monday night football.

    The Lions have the goods to challenge this team with Goff running. Deandre Swift will look for a better day than he produced last week. Swift managed only 39 yards on 11 carries. Swift is a second-year veteran who needs to prove he is the number one running back here, especially with Jamaal Williams receiving 9 carries for 54 yards but, more importantly, one score. If Swift wants to be number one, he needs to act like it, and what better way to show it against your main division rival. Swift was very active in the passing game {8 receptions 63 yards 1 score} but needed to better running the ball. T.J. Hockenson came out with catches for 97 yards and a score, and even Jamaal Williams had 8 receptions. The most significant lack of contribution came from the wide receiver spot. This isn’t the mean machine where you pass the ball to your running back the whole game. The ball needs to be gotten to the outside receivers, and besides Tyrell Williams, there isn’t much confidence. Golladay {to the Giants} and Jones jr {to the Jags} took their games elsewhere, so now that number 1 spot is up for grabs but, someone needs to get it. 

    I expect a much better showing from the Lion’s offense early on, so they are not fighting from behind. If the defense accomplished what it did in the second half last week again but, for the whole game, then the Green Bay Packers will be sitting 0-2. If the Lions come out and the defense hands points away as they did during the 49ers, it will be another long day.