NFL: 5 Bold Predictions For Packers Vs. Lions
By Evan Massey
3. Green Bay Comes Through With At Least Four Sacks
Perhaps the most impressive thing about the Green Bay Packers last week in their playoff clinching win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was that they came away with seven sacks on the afternoon.
Those numbers are absolutely amazing for a Packers’ defense that couldn’t get any pressure on the quarterback last year. That was one of their main concerns heading into this past offseason, and they made a big move to bring veteran pass rusher Julius Peppers onto the team to join Clay Matthews. It has turned out to be a perfect match, and the Packers appear to have a legitimate pass rush.
Matthews has recorded 10.0 sacks himself, while Julius Peppers (7.0), Mike Daniels (4.5), and Mike Neal (4.5) have also made a big difference. Green Bay is going to do everything they can to put pressure on Stafford this week and force him to throw an interception or two, and they are going to get to him. Detroit center Dominic Raiola has been suspended for stomping on the leg of a Chicago Bears player last week, and that is going to be a big loss.
Green Bay knows that they can get to the quarterback, and the defense is smelling blood in the water after last week. Matthews and Peppers are going to be strong leaders for the defense, and they will come through with at least four sacks against the Lions.
Next: 4. Detroit Will Rush For At Least 140 Yards