Detroit Lions: 5 Keys To Victory Over Packers

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Dec 21, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears outside linebacker Shea McClellin (50) pressures Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during the second half at Soldier Field. Detroit Lions defeat the Chicago Bears 20-14. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Protect Matthew Stafford

Detroit has a talented offensive line, but they did allow Matthew Stafford to get hit way too often last week against the Chicago Bears. This week against the Green Bay Packers, they are going to have to do a much better job of protecting Stafford to come away with a win. One issue for Detroit could be that center Dominic Raiola has been suspended for this game due to stomping on the leg of a Bears’ player last week.

Green Bay recorded seven sacks last week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and both Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers will be coming after Stafford this week. The Packers have a good enough secondary to make some major plays if the quarterback is hurried, and you can bet that Dom Capers will be bringing the pressure. If Detroit can keep their quarterback upright, they are going to have a good chance to come away with a win.

Both teams are going to be blitzing and putting as much pressure as they can, and keeping the quarterbacks from taking hits is going to be one of the major deciding factors. Stafford has the receiving corps to make some big plays, but the offensive line has to be better than it was last week.

Next: 3. Calvin Johnson Has To Shred The Defense

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