Detroit Lions Weblog

Lions Vs. Sausage Scarfers preview

First off, I realize that Brett Favre has courageously overcome a great deal of adversity in his life off the field. I also realize, he has put together one of the more impressive on-field careers in NFL history. I even admire that he has shown empathy for his wife (a trait not often exhibited by professional athletes), who is suffering from breast cancer and the results of chemotherapy, by shaving his head. I am begging the broadcasters of Sunday’s game, please, I implore you, please keep the Brett Favre bootlicking to a minimum! I realize that there is little else to discuss when Javon Walker has just done his third “Lambeau Leap” of the day and Ahman Green has just rushed for his 175th yard of the game. Favre has only won one Super Bowl, please refrain from the superlatives. Until he proves he can win another game in January, he is a great player in a line of many. He shouldn’t be gushed over and adored like squealing thirteen year old girls do after having just ripped the pull-out section from their favorite teen dream magazine.

First off, can you believe the Lions have lost 12 straight regular season games in Wisconsin (3 Milwaukee, 9 Lambeau)? They also have one road playoff loss against Green Bay in that time span. “Cocaine” Wayne Fontes is the last coach to emerge victorious from Green Bay. In that time, the Packers have averaged 30.8 pts./game and meanwhile the Lions have scored only 15.1 pts/game. These games haven’t even been close. In order for the Lions to stand much of a chance in this game, they need to score first. Teams who score first win 65% of the time. Getting out to a good start rapidly changes the complexion of the game.

On Offense, the Lions would like to be able to run the ball. It will be difficult finding much room in the middle of the Packer defense with big, run-stuffing, Grady Jackson and my favorite Packer, Cletidus (pronounced Cle-dee-us)Hunt anchoring the middle. The Lions Guards, Damien Woody and David Loverne, and Center Dom Raiola must have their game of the year. Their success will help the team move the ball and keep them from the dreaded third and long yardage situations. The Packers do have a weak secondary, the Lions may have a chance to achieve some plays in this part of their offense. Look for Harrington to try and find good matchups against Ahmad Carroll and Michael Hawthorne to exploit. The Packers have been unable to successfully pressure opposing quarterbacks, Harrington should have the time to operate. That being said, Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, is always a threat to disrupt the pocket. I think it would be in the Lions best interest to take some chances on offense. I think if they can game plan a way to neautralize Grady Jackson’s effectiveness and enjoy some large gains in the passing game they may stand a chance. I think utilizing more multiple receiver sets and throwing down field would be wise. Attacking the porous Green Bay secondary, that also is lacking depth, could prove fruitful.

On Defense, the Lions will have to be very stout in their run defense. If Ahman Green, Tony Fisher, and Najeh Davenport are effective look out. Their effectiveness will open up play-action passes for Favre and will also allow him more opportunity to find his dangerous receivers down the field. The Lions secondary will probably be missing starting CB Fernando Bryant, which in itself isn’t such a huge blow, but will effect their depth when the Packers use multi-receiver sets. With the Lions Safeties relative inability to help the corners over the top, I expect Favre and his talented young receivers to have a field day with the Lions. The Packers have one of the best offensive lines in all of football, so any pressure the Lions front seven is able to get on Favre will be a plus. Sacks will be hard to come by, so they will be a major factor for the Lions if they get any.

To be honest with you, I can not logically see where the Lions will prevent their 14th loss in a row in Wisconsin from being anything but a blow-out. The Packers getting whacked by Philly won’t help, the Packers have something to prove to their home fans and the rest of the league. Brett Favre’s courageous, off-field struggles always seem to result in inspired performances from him. Honestly, I believe that the Lions mediocre secondary and Jauron’s bend-don’t-break defensive philosophy will be a major contributors to a shellacking by the Packers. A “Bend, Don’t Break” philosophy quickly becomes a “Prevent” defense when facing a team that will attack like the Packers. If the Packers are not nursing a three touchdown lead in third quarter of this game, I will be completely shocked.

Sausage Scarfers 45 Cowardly Lions 20