Fansided

5 bold predictions for Packers against Lions

By Rucker Haringey

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 12: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers looks toward the scoreboard during the game against the New Orleans Saints at TIAA Bank Field on September 12, 2021 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 12: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers looks toward the scoreboard during the game against the New Orleans Saints at TIAA Bank Field on September 12, 2021 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /
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Preston Smith, Green Bay Packers
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – JANUARY 16: Preston Smith #91 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates defeating the Los Angeles Rams 32-18 in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Lambeau Field on January 16, 2021 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

2. Packers will sack Jared Goff five times

Any success the Packers defense is going to enjoy this season will largely hinge on the team’s ability to rush the passer. The fact that Green Bay didn’t notch a single sack against the Saints was a big reason why the game got out of hand so quickly.

Defensive coordinator Joe Barry and his staff have to correct that issue on Sunday. They cannot afford to sit back and let a mediocre quarterback like Jared Goff control the game. He can pick them apart if he’s given a clean pocket to throw from.

That’s why the Packers are going to break the heat against Goff early and often. Their outside linebackers are going to be asked to find their way into the Lion’s backfield against both the run and the pass. That tactical philosophy combined with the likelihood that Green Bay seizes an early lead in this contest should give the Packers’ defense a chance to amass a healthy number of pressures and sacks.

Look for the Packers to get to Goff at least five times before all is said and done. The Lions offensive line was manhandled in their Week 1 loss to the 49ers and they’ll see a repeat performance on Sunday.

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