It’s time for week 6 football. It’s crazy to believe that we’re here already, but here we are. The Detroit Lions will go up against a pretty good Green Bay Packers team in a prime time game between the current top two teams in the NFC North. I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty excited.
With that in mind, it’s time to talk about this team with our pal and fellow PFWA member Jason B. Hirschhorn from Acme Packing Company about the Lions’ upcoming “Monday Night Football” showdown with the green and gold team from a weird neighborhood in Wisconsin. We’ll get to Jason in a moment, but first let’s talk about what I know about this team.
All I really know is two things. On “That ‘70s Show,” the guys called the Packers helmet in the basement the stupid helmet and made each other wear it when they did something stupid.
The other thing I know is the Lions are 72-100 all time against the Packers. 59 of those losses came in Lambeau. But don’t worry, Lions fans, it’s not all that bad. The Lions have been pretty good against the Packers as of late. The Lions have won six of the last 10 games against the Packers, the last four straight in the series, and three of the last four in Lambeau. Can they keep that up against what looks to be a pretty good team? Maybe we can get some answers today from Jason. Here’s what he had to say.
The Packers are dealing with some injuries right now. How do you think this affects the current game plan?
“Without Davante Adams this past weekend, Green Bay funneled more of the offense through Aaron Jones, both as a runner and pass catcher. That approach led to a franchise record-tying day for Jones, who scored four touchdowns and led all Packers with 182 yards from scrimmage. While Jones role might not look quite as pronounced on Monday, expect to see him carry a sizeable portion of the workload if Adams sits out again.
The defensive injuries could have more of an impact on how the Packers operate this week. Rookie safety Darnell Savage has become one of their defense’s more integral players but could miss the Lions game after suffering an ankle injury against the Cowboys. His status remains unclear, but the team will play a little more conservatively if it doesn’t have Savage posted deep to help out in coverage.”
What about the Lions should most worry the Packers?
“Run defense has proven to be the Packers’ biggest deficiency over the first five weeks of the season, and the Lions have a talented young battering ram in second-year tailback Kerryon Johnson. Johnson should look fresh coming off the bye, and Green Bay currently doesn’t have all their off-ball linebackers to throw at him. Unless Detroit falls behind early, Johnson should play a significant role in the outcome Monday.”
Who’s the under the radar player the Lions should be concerned about?
“Though the Packers have gotten plenty of attention for Za’Darius Smith, Preston Smith, and Darnell Savage, rookie guard Elgton Jenkins has performed as well as any of their offseason additions. Jenkins stepped into the starting lineup in Week 3 and has already become the team’s top interior offensive lineman, giving up zero sacks and posting a pass-block win rate of 96 percent, second best among all NFL guards. Jenkins has also established himself as a people mover in the run game. During his first extended NFL action in Week 2, he pushed Pro Bowl defensive tackle Linval Joseph 3 yards backward to clear a path to the end zone for Aaron Jones. Those types of plays have become commonplace for Jenkins already in his young career.”
Why doesn’t Aaron Rodgers just fire his agent? He clearly doesn’t like him very much. Also, why does this guy hang out with his car insurance agent? I don’t even know the guy at AAA name who signed us up. I’m not gonna find him and bring him to businesses meeting. What gives?
“My working theory is Rodgers’ agent is actually the angel Gabriel. It explains why everyone keeps him around despite his demeanor. Why has a heavenly figure started working as a sports agent? Hard to say for certain, but the economy just isn’t what it used to be. Everyone has made adjustments, even Gabe.
I don’t have a good grasp of why Rodgers hangs out with his car insurance agent either. Maybe the company offers discounts for being perpetually monitored? Maybe the agent’s appearance in so many commercials has transformed him into a celebrity and therefore someone with which Rodgers can relate? Your guess is as good as mine.”
Who’s winning this thing?
“The Lions have won the last four encounters with the Packers, which probably doesn’t receive enough attention. I think that streak ends Monday. Green Bay seems to have finally found some rhythm on offense and the defense has played as well as any in the division. Detroit probably won’t make it easy, but the home team should take this one.”