This is a must win game for the Packers. If the Packers are going to make the season even a little bit interesting, they must beat the Lions and the Browns next week. The Packers have had a much needed week off to heal up and return important starters such as Clifton and Bigby. Detroit on the other hand only has one win this season, but I believe that they are a better team than their record shows. The new coach that they have has changed the culture in Detroit and are playing better football than they did last season. The Packers should be fully rested and ready to play better after their disaster in Minnesota.
Do not get me wrong, the Lions are still headed towards a very high pick in next years draft. However, the Lions have been much more competitive in their games this season. Important things like both turnovers and penalties have been down significantly from last year. Which is a direct reflection of the new coach and his efforts to turn things around.
Additionally, Stafford will not be playing on Sunday. I actually think that this will help the Lions. Culpepper is a much more experienced quarterback and much less likely to throw a bunch of interceptions against our 3-4 defense. I was actually looking forward to a 3 interception game out of Stafford and I doubt that Culpepper will take many chances.
The Packers are returning Chad Clifton to the starting left tackle position. I was hoping that they would also be returning Tauscher rather than Barbre to the right tackle position. But Tauscher is not ready yet, so we will have to make due. At least with Clifton back, Rodgers will only have to worry about the pass rush coming from Barbre's side and his blind side should be fairly secure.
Bigby has been missed almost as much Clifton. There were numerous big plays given up against Minnesota that were seemingly the result of blown coverage by Bigby's replacement. Bigby is no pro-bowler but he does not often blow coverages like that. It will be nice to get our hard hitting safety back. It will make the opposing wide receivers think twice about heading over the middle.
So what my prediction for the game? You will have to go to PackerAuthority.com to find out...
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