Insider Breaks Down Packers-Lions Showdown

The Packers are set to host the Lions on “Thursday Night Football.” Here’s some insider insight of Detroit’s defense, its rookie tight end and more.

GREEN BAY, Wis. – As far as September games go, it doesn’t get much bigger than Thursday night’s showdown between the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Both teams are 2-1, so the winner will get a boost in the NFC North race.

With underrated Jared Goff at quarterback, a fast and physical defense and a passionate coach with Dan Campbell, the Lions entered the season as heavy favorites to win the division. Can the Packers go toe to toe with the presumptive top team in the North?

To get you ready, we participate in a Packers-Lions crossover conversation with John Maakaron of SI.com’s All Lions.

1. The Packers were destroyed by the Falcons’ rushing attack in Week 2. In Week 3, the Lions destroyed the Falcons’ rushing attack. What does that phase of the game do so well?

The Lions' defense has a strong desire and commitment to stopping the run. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has buy-in from the young roster, and the gap-sound defense has started the season out strong against the run. Detroit's defensive identify is to play smash-mouth, gritty football, and that begins with a stout defensive line

Also, the play of the linebackers, led by veteran Alex Anzalone, has improved over the past 12 months. Derrick Barnes is emerging as a versatile linebacker who can rush from the edges, as well. The addition of first-round pick Jack Campbell has upped the competition level in the room.

2. In light of the Packers using their Day 2 draft picks on tight ends, I’ve written a million words about how rookie tight ends rarely make a big impact. Why has Detroit’s Sam LaPorta been an outlier?

Detroit's scouting department did a thorough job of finding a tight end that fit the culture and that would gel well with quarterback Jared Goff. Recall, coach Dan Campbell is a former NFL tight end and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson coached the position, as well. Detroit found a player they fit could acclimate quickly to the NFL and play at a high level. Through three games, his production rivals any tight end in NFL history.

After getting drafted, Goff and LaPorta spent plenty of time getting acclimated together. Also, there is value in young tight ends getting all together at Tight End U to learn from some of the game's top players at the position. Iowa seems to be doing something right, as their tight ends are sitting 1-2 in the league in terms of receiving yards, as T.J. Hockenson of the Vikings is just behind LaPorta.

Lambeau Field before the 2022 game vs. the Lions :: Photo by Wm. Glasheen/USA Today Sports Images

3. Green Bay has been hammered by injuries. They were without five starters on Sunday and lost another. What’s the injury report look like in Detroit?

Detroit got hammered by the injury bug after a tough loss to the Seahawks in the home opener. Luckily, a couple of injured players who missed the win against the Falcons have the potential to return against the Packers. Left tackle Taylor Decker is battling an ankle injury while running back David Montgomery is battling a thigh bruise.

Judging by the practice reports this week, both should suit up to aid the offense. The biggest question mark will be starting safety Kerby Joseph, who is battling a hip injury. He has been limited at practice and could be a game-time decision. Joseph, if you recall, picked off Aaron Rodgers three times last season.

4. Are there a couple matchups that would worry you if you were on the Lions’ coaching staff?

First off, have to thank the Packers for being a great trade partners, as the Lions traded up three spots with Green Bay to select cornerback Brian Branch in the second round of this year's draft. He has been a pleasant surprise in regard to his playmaking and game-changing ability so early in his career.

Branch leads the team in interceptions (one), passes defensed (three) and tackles for losses (three). I am curious to see how he matches up with slot receiver Jayden Reed this week.

Also, if defensive lineman Kenny Clark is lined up over the right side, it will be interesting to observe how veteran right guard Graham Glasgow, who is stepping in for the injured Halapoulivaati Vaitai, handles Clark, who is a talented and saavy interior defensive lineman who can easily disrupt any offensive play.

5. Who wins, and why?

The Lions, winners of three straight against the Packers, are going to have to pull out another gritty performance to start the season strong in the division. Jared Goff and the offense are steadily improving and getting healthier.

Detroit's defense is opportunistic and coming off a performance in which it sacked Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder seven times. If the Packers can’t run the football, Jordan Love is going to be in for a long evening, as Detroit's defense is going to pin its ears back and get after the inexperienced signal-caller.

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