Ice Cold: The Detroit Lions' Lambeau Blues

It was 10 degrees with a wind chill factor of negative seven, as the Green Bay Packers hosted their division rival, the Detroit Lions.

The Lions, looking to take the NFC Central Division crown, clung to a slender 14-10 lead late in the fourth quarter. Lion kick returner, Mel Gray, received a punt and took it 78 yards to the house with only 4:40 left to play, putting Detroit on top, 21-10. The Lions would go on to win the game and the division in Green Bay.

That was 1991.

18 Lion losses at Lambeau later (say that five times in a row), and Detroit still wonders how Mel Gray shook his way to a Lambeau Field victory.

Is it the frigid temperatures? The Lambeau legend? The crazy fans? Just plain bad Lion teams?

How will the Lions ever win at Lambeau?

Your answer, Matt Stafford.

Stafford has a bit of experience with facing the wrath of opposing crowds. Playing in the wild SEC, he lost just two road games in his three years as a starting quarterback at Georgia.

Unlike most NFL stadiums, Lambeau field is a lot like the SEC stadiums, where the crowds are loud and the tradition runs deep. Stafford's wins at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Alabama and at "Death Valley" in LSU prove that he can win in any hostile environment.

Stafford will be more comfortable than past Detroit quarterbacks because of his college experience.  Also, the game will be played this October, ensuring milder Wisconsin weather.

Matt Stafford will make his first start in Green Bay this October 3rd. With a revamped Detroit defense, and a stronger connection with megatron wide reciever, Calvin Johnson, Stafford is ready to be 2010's Mel Gray. He won't return punts to the house, but he may throw a few touchdowns, and lead the Lions to their first victory at Lambeau Field in 19 years.

A win in Green Bay this season would not only end a treacherous losing streak, but it would signify an end to Detroit's losing ways.

Could the 2010 season be like the 1991 season? It would be great to see the Detroit Lions make it back to the top and be crowned NFC North Division champs once again. 

But, the Lions will need to win in Green Bay to have any shot at that.