How the Detroit Lions Can Bounce Back Against the Green Bay Packers

Pressure.

Pressure has destroyed the Detroit Lions' season in the form of defensive linemen obliterating Matthew Stafford's personal space.

Pressure could also be behind the Green Bay Packers' two-game losing streak. Both of the pass-rushing variety and of the constant weight of expectations.

"

Under pressure, Aaron Rodgers throws INT on 4th-and-goal at the 4, ending #Packers' comeback hopes pic.twitter.com/U3quYAk4Qr

— Packers News (@PGPackersNews) November 8, 2015"

Whatever the cause may be, cracks have started to form in that once impenetrable green armor.

Packers Have No Netflix

And thus, no chill.

Aaron Rodgers' famous "R-E-L-A-X" rant was the turning point after some early season troubles in 2014. The same might not be so easily attained this year, as the team's situation has changed somewhat dramatically.

"

Some RBs like Bettis can carry more weight but still maintain foot quickness and agility - Eddie Lacy isn't one of those guys.

— Lance Zierlein (@LanceZierlein) November 12, 2015"

For starters, last year's No. 9 rusher in the league, who averaged 4.5 yards per carry, has been benched in favor of James Starks. While Eddie Lacy hasn't been nearly as dominant as he was last season—his average has slipped to 3.7—Starks has never had more than 578 yards in a season and only has two years with more than 350.

As the Lions can attest, the lack of a rushing game puts the quarterback squarely in the sights of an opponent's pass rush.

Plus, the loss of Jordy Nelson hasn't been so easily overcome. As those poor fantasy owners who spent upwards of $50 in auction drafts know all too well (ugh), Randall Cobb needs Nelson on the outside pulling coverage away to be at his best.

"

Personnel man to @mortreport: #Packers offense very "simple," Randall Cobb and Davante Adams playing like "bottom rung receivers."

— Zach Kruse (@zachkruse2) November 8, 2015"

That's trickled down to the offense as a whole. Not only has Rodger's completion percentage dropped 14 points, but the Packers are only averaging 3.1 more yards per game than Detroit.

And it's translated to the scoreboard, where the Packers are averaging five fewer points than they did last year.

Pound the Rock to Put the Defense on Edge

The other side of the ball hasn't been kind to the Packers either, especially on the ground.

Week/Opponent	Rush Yards	Week/Opponent	Rush Yards
Week 1 - Chicago	189	Week 5 - St. Louis	191
Week 2 - Seattle	119	Week 6 - San Diego	60
Week 3 - Kansas City	75	Week 7 - Denver	160
Week 4 - San Francisco	77	Week 8 - Carolina	130

Here's where the Lions must mount their attack. While it may sound either elementary or humorous considering the team's last-place standing in both wins and rushing yards, Detroit has had some success the last two games.

Against the Chiefs, Detroit was able to average 5.8 yards per carry but couldn't commit to the run because of the heavy deficit. The Lions proved the same a week prior by averaging 4.5 yards against a stout Vikings defense before opting to air it out instead of staying patient.

Offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter seems to understand this. He recently told Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press as much, saying "(My other point of emphasis) would be just sticking with the run. We had some success with the run and it's something that should complement our pass game well and I got to stick with that." 

Jose Juarez/Associated Press

Attack the Stressed-Out Banged-Up Secondary

Whether Detroit will put a greater emphasis on the running game remains to be seen. This, however, hasn't been the season of game plans and execution.

Yet in this scenario, the Lions act like a professional team and exploit the opponent's weakness. That's why Detroit would remain stubborn with the run and then attack a banged-up secondary that has been drawn toward the line of scrimmage by the constant pounding up front.

Cam Newton and a group of receivers passed over by half of the CFL were able to pile up 297 yards and three touchdowns against a secondary that was missing cornerback Sam Shields and Quinten Rollins.

"

#Packers OLB Mike Neal (hip) was only player unable to practice today. CB Sam Shields (shoulder) once again practiced.

— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) November 12, 2015"

Both are back at practice now, so the going may not be as easy this week. Yet Detroit's outside talent theoretically trumps Carolina's receiving "threats."

Of course, this all depends on the offensive line executing its assignments, a tenuous notion at best. The Packers boast an average pass rush that has feasted on bad teams, which Detroit qualifies as.

And then there's that losing streak that people love to talk about this time of year:

"

Lions haven't won at Lambeau since 1991. Since then, DET has gone through: •13 QB •9 Coaches •8 Eminem Albums •4 US Presidents •2 Stadiums

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) November 11, 2015"

Don't take this as a bold prediction. It's merely a road map left in the hands of a toddler at the wheel of a broken-down semi truck that's stuck in a ditch.

But if that baby ever figures out how to get it in gear, then maybe sticking to the above could bring about an improved performance from the 1-7 Lions.

Brandon Alisoglu is a Detroit Lions Featured Columnist. He also co-hosts a Lions-centric podcast, Lions Central Radio. Yell at him on Twitter @BrandonAlisoglu.