By: Jeremy T. Ballreich
Week 9 of the NFL season approaches, along with the much awaited November 5th trade deadline. But the Detroit team is facing what could be their toughest match up yet!
The Lions are boasting a six-one record and the Packers are a half game behind in the division, at six-two.
Both teams don’t have much disparity in their rankings except in two key areas. Scoring offense, the Lions are first in the NFL at 33.4 points per game. The Packers are sixth at 27 points per game. Lions boast an impressive 65.5% red Zone efficiency on offense. The Packers are 50% efficient in the redzone.
Defensively, there isn’t much a separation in yards either. But the Lions are boasting the number one defense in 3rd down efficiency at 30.7%. The Packers have a 33% efficiency in that department. Red Zone Defense might be the difference in the game. The Lions 47.4% efficient in the red Zone at stopping their opponents. The Packers have a 60% efficiency rating in that area of defense.
The Lions are leading the league in point differential at +100 points. As well as second in the league at turnover differential. Creating 15 turnovers, while only giving five total turnovers by the offense. A whopping +10 in the turnover differential stats.
While the Packers have a league leading number of turnovers. Because of the offense giving turnovers as well. They are +five in the team turnover differential stat.
Jared Goff QB is playing at a level no one saw coming! 74.1% (first in the league with over 180+ snaps), 13 TDs (ninth), four interceptions (54th), and boasting a 115.3 (second) passer rating.
Jordan Love QB is having a good year too, 61.7% (16th), 15 TDs (tied for fourth), nine interceptions (tied for first), and a 91.8 passer rating (15th)
David Montgomery RB seven rushing touchdowns (tied for third), 4.46 yards per carry. Jahmyr Gibbs six rushing touchdowns (tied for sixth), 6.42 yards per carry. They make the great combination known as Sonic (Gibbs) and Knuckles (Montgomery), due to their running styles. The duo has had one fumble lost this season.
Josh Jacobs RB has 4.97 yards per carry, three touchdowns (tied for 16th). Proving he is still a force in the run game. But has had two fumbles lost.
Keys to the game
Offensively:
The Lions must make the ground game a priority. The weather is predicted to be wet and chilly. Which greatly effects the passing game. So an effective ground game negates the necessity to pass the ball.
Defensively:
Maintain the increased blitz rate from 14.6% to the 44.6% to keep manufacturing pressure against the run and pass. Must limit Josh Jacobs explosive running plays. He’s tied with Gibbs with five plays over 20+ yards. They also must keep their Red Zone discipline staying in front of passes to WRs Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, and TE Tucker Kraft.
Key Injuries:
Lions Players Out:
Josh Paschal DE
Malcolm Rodriguez LB
Sione Vaki RB
Mehki Wingo DT
Packers Players Out:
J’aire Alexander CB
Josh Myers C/G
Evan Williams SS
Jordan Love is expected to play. Suffered a minor groin injury week 8
Final Score Predictions:
If everything goes right:
DET 31
G B 24
If it all falls apart:
DET 21
G B 24
https://youtube.com/@kneecapbitingwithsmokinjer2611?si=msvj_8xJYemauIOL
