The Green Bay Packers are preparing for their toughest game of the season. They will welcome the 6-1 Detroit Lions into Lambeau Field in what will be the biggest game in the NFL this week. The biggest story today is the health of quarterback Jordan Love. He suffered a groin injury last week against the Jacksonville Jaguars . It is unclear if he will play in this game. If not, it will be Malik Willis making this third start of the season. Kick-off is 3:25 on FOX. Here are the keys to a Green Bay Packers win.
Keep the Lions Offense on the Sidelines
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love has not been ruled out of this game, but I have a hard time seeing him play Sunday especially with a bye week next week. These home divison games are so important, but the health of the $255 million quarterback and a playoff run is more important.
Assuming it’s Malik Willis, the game plan should be the same in every game Willis has played in. Establish the run, win the time of possession, and chew off the clock. The Lions are a dangerous offense and the best offense in the NFL. They scored 52 points against the Titans on 45 offensive plays and six different players recording a touchdown. The longer they stay on the sideline, the better.
Yards After the Catch
The Lions have one of the best safety duos in Kirby Joseph and Brian Branch, They have accounted for nine of Detroit’s 10 interception. Both are ball hawks and will be looking to attack.
This is a game where you needs players like Christian Watson and Jayden Reed to win in yards after contact. Both players are very fast and can break touchdown runs anytime they touch the ball. Josh Jacobs will have to find a way to get to the second level and break tackles as well. If it’s Willis, I don’t think this offense can take many deep shots.
The Green Bay Packer Defense Needs to Contain Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery
The Lions also have a terrific running back duo in Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. They are both threats to run and catch in the backfield. The duo have accounted for 14 of Detroit’s 28 touchdowns this year. Both can be bell cow backs in this league
For Gibbs, this Green Bay Packers defense needs to excel in open field tackling. If you miss a tackle in Gibbs, he’s gone with the great speed he has. If it’s Montgomery, you have to bring him down right away. He is great on contact and loves to initiate it as well.