The Detroit Lions are heading into Week 9 with a matchup against the division rival Green Bay Packers. After a 31-27 loss to the Miami Dolphins in Week 8, the Lions are now 1-6, and have lost five games in a row. After the loss to Miami, much change has been made inside the Lionsâ locker room. On Monday it was announced that the Lions fired defensive backs coach Aubrey Pleasant. This move comes after Dolphins receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle torched the secondary unit. Hill had 12 catches for 188 yards, and Waddle had eight catches for 106 yards and two touchdowns. On Tuesday, the Lions traded tight end T.J. Hockenson to the division rival Minnesota Vikings. Along with Hockenson, the Lions also gave a 2023 fourth-round pick and a conditional 2024 fourth-round pick. In return, the Lions received a 2023 second-round pick and a 2024 third-round pick.
The Green Bay Packers have had a 3-5 start to the season, a record no one could have seen coming. In Week 8, the Packers lost their Sunday Night Football matchup against the Buffalo Bills, 27-17. The Packers have now lost four games in a row, and have not won since their Week 4 overtime win against the New England Patriots.
With both teams on major losing streaks, letâs see which team can get a victory.
How will the Lions secondary play?
Besides cornerback Jeff Okudah, the Lionsâ secondary has been abysmal. The Lionsâ defense has allowed the sixth-most passing yards per game this year. However, if there is any wide receiver group that the Lions can contain, itâs the Packersâ. The Packers have struggled to throw the football so far this season. Much of this has to do with trading away wide receiver Davante Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders. The young Packers receivers have yet to show substantial chemistry or growth with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. It this remains consistent; the Lions defense may be able to hang in the game.
Can the Packers lean on their Rushing attack?
Despite losing last week to the Bills, the Packersâ running game scorched the Bills. Running back Aaron Jones ran 20 times for 143 yards, averaging over seven yards a carry. Running back AJ Dillon also shared the load, rushing 10 times for 54 yards. Both backs averaged over five yards per carry. The Lionsâ defense has struggled all year to stop both the run and the pass. If the Packers lean into this rushing attack, they could find a new identity that doesnât revolve around Aaron Rodgers having to be perfect.
Coaching â Campbell vs LaFleur
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur has had nothing but success until this losing streak. On the other hand, Lions head coach Dan Campbell has yet to get his footing and win some games. Through his time with the Lions, Campbell has only won 4 games. LaFleur was able to win three times as many games as Campbell in only one season. The Lions have a major disadvantage when it comes to coaching. LaFleur knows success and he knows how to win, something Campbell has yet to accomplish. Do not be surprised if Campbell gets completely out-coached on Sunday.
At this point I don’t even want to win. I’d rather just have another loss and get some better draft capital.