Packers know what’s at stake in week 17
The 12-3 Green Bay Packers will be taking on the 3-11-1 Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit Michigan on Sunday in the final game of the 2019 regular season. The Lions have lost eight straight games heading into Sunday’s game while Green Bay has won four in a row. During that stretch, the offense for Green Bay has scored 23.7 PPG while only giving up 12.7 PPG on defense. That’s a very impressive turnaround in just a bit over a month’s time since they last lost (November 24th vs San Francisco). The offense for Detroit hasn’t been anything special since starting QB Matthew Stafford went on injured reserve on December 17th due to a back injury he suffered in week 9 against the Oakland Raiders. They had gone 3-4-1 with Stafford as the starter but since he’s been out, they’ve gone 0-6 and are onto their 4th string quarterback in rookie David Blough out of Purdue. Blough has been anything but impressive for them; completing just over 56% of his passes (82/145), for 862 yards, 4 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, and a passer rating of just 68.8.
Green Bay needs to focus on getting running back Aaron Jones involved in the offense. Jones, who leads the league in rushing touchdowns with 16, is looking to break the all-time franchise single-season touchdown mark in both rushing (19, Jim Taylor), and total touchdowns (20, Ahman Green). It’s more likely that he breaks Ahman Green’s record of 20 total touchdowns on Sunday (Jones is 1 behind with 19). He has been an absolute offensive weapon for Green Bay and an intricate part of their offensive attack as of late. This will need to remain a trend well into the postseason if Green Bay wants to have any shot at capturing its fifth super bowl title in franchise history & league-leading 14th world championship overall.
We have yet to see a complete game from Green Bay on both sides of the ball. This could very well be the game where it finally comes to fruition. Detroit’s pass defense is 28th in the league in passer rating allowed with a 102.3 rating. They also are dead last in the league in passing yards allowed with 282.6 PYPG allowed. Aaron Rodgers could find himself having a field day on Sunday. Defensively, Green Bay has allowed just 12.7 PPG over this 4-game stretch, all have been wins. With a win on Sunday, Green Bay would also end up sweeping the NFC North, a feat they haven’t accomplished since the 2011 season.
Overall, this game looks to be another win for Green Bay. Yes, I know it’s a divisional game and anything can happen but with how much is on the line for them, I don’t think they overlook Detroit here. A win combined with a San Francisco loss would not only secure a first-round bye for Green Bay but would also clinch home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs for them as well. They know what’s at stake and will definitely be playing to win.
@DieHardPackrFan #DHPF #ParkerMoes @ParkerMoes
