Green Bay Packers Scouting Report: Positional Keys to a Green and Gold Victory
It's practically impossible to play devil's advocate. The Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions are severely mismatched.
The only hope for Detroit comes from Drew Stanton's callow arm—an arm that has a career quarterback rating of 59.1.
So, do the Lions really have a shot at this game? On the surface, there is much doubt and concern heading towards Detroit coach Jim Schwartz's way, and the 2-9 Lions are seemingly playing for pride.
Let's compare the positional battles that will be appearing on Sunday.
Quarterbacks
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Will Aaron Rodgers continue his past success against the Lions?
It remains to be seen what Detroit's Drew Stanton has in store for us all on Sunday. With just 411 yards, two touchdowns and a 84.8 quarterback rating, Stanton's capabilities are clearly undefined.
However, as Rodgers continues to slice up opposing defenses week in and week out, with analysts across the league calling for an Rodgers MVP watch.
Stanton attains only one main target on offense in All-Pro wide receiver Calvin Johnson. If Stanton can somehow manage to get Johnson the ball, the Lions may actually have a chance in this one.
Meanwhile, Rodgers will be going up against the league's 16th-worst defense, giving up some 222.6 yards per game. Along with wide receivers Greg Jennings and James Jones taking pressure off Rodgers in the passing game, Aaron should be poised for an impressive bout.
Advantage: Green Bay
Running Backs
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James Starks: The sequel
The addition of running back James Starks to Green Bay's offense has spruced up the offensive play calling, further diversifying the run-pass ratio.
Even with Starks' addition, the Packers still maintain Brandon Jackson in the backfield, who will get a flock of screen opportunities when he is in the lineup.
Detroit's Jahvid Best has been battling turf toe the past few weeks, and looks to overcome the injury that has limited his duration of playing time in the previous weeks. Expect Lions backup running back Kevin Smith to get the bulk of the carries.
Still, the Packers' running game is looking good heading into Sunday's game. Expect a big game from Starks.
Advantage: Green Bay
Wide Receivers
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Greg Jennings vs. Calvin Johnson
This one surprised me.
As much as Green Bay's wide receiving corps have impressed the entire Packers' fan base, the Lions' top three receivers (Calvin Johnson, Brandon Pettigrew, and Nate Buleson) have the outright advantage in total yards this season.
Calvin Johnson (left) has dominated secondaries through and through, but without a quarterback to throw to him, he's just another guy on the field.
Despite the fact Drew Stanton may have troubles finding his receivers down the field, I have to give this one a toss-up solely based on pure statistics.
Advantage: Toss up
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Offensive Lines
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Will the Detroit offensive line limit Clay Matthews and company?
This one will be quick.
The Lion's offensive line has only given up 22 sacks this season, good enough to be 11th overall in the league.
Green Bay's O-line has given up 25 sacks. Not a huge discrepancy, but the Lion's do in fact have the stats to prove their worth.
Tough call, and again a close toss-up.
Advantage: Toss up
Defenses
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Dom Capers' workhorses will shine
Both Clay Matthews and Charles Woodson constantly appear to be lurking within Dom Capers' defensive schemes, and a big play should come from both of them Sunday.
Still, the facts still remain. Green Bay holds the league's 10th-best overall defense, allowing 316 yards per game to opposing offenses.
Detroit has improved, but still lacks a signature play-maker. Of course, the beast that is Ndomukong Suh will play a huge role in the Packers' run game.
Additionally, Tramon Williams is playing up to his potential, only further convincing us who has the advantage here.
Advantage: Green Bay
Turnover Margin
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Charles Woodson vs. entire Detroit defense?
Beware, Detroit. Charles Woodson is waiting for you.
Woodson's ability to tomahawk the football from offensive ball-carriers has been one of his staple moves, and this year is no different. With 26 career forced fumbles, Woodson is nothing to sneeze at.
The Packers are +8 in the turnover margin, with six forced fumbles and 16 interceptions—legitimate enough to be 6th-best in the league.
Detroit is in fact +1 in the turnover margin, including 13 forced fumbles and nine interceptions.
I think you get the point.
Advantage: Green Bay
Coaches
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Mike McCarthy vs. Jim Schwartz
With Green Bay's rejuvenated run-game accelerating to new heights, Packers coach Mike McCarthy will incorporate the run with the pass limiting Green Bay's offensive predictability.
McCarthy has owned Detroit in his tenure with the Packers, with a 9-0 career record against the Lions.
On the other side, Jim Schwartz continues to try and improve Detroit's fortunes. Unfortunately for Schwartz, the Lions are still miles behind the league standard.
Look for and balanced attack from Mike McCarthy and the Packers' offense.
Advantage: Green Bay
Some Final Thoughts...
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Sunday's matchup looks to be as promising as any game this season.
Aaron Rodgers looks to continue his exceptional four-game streak towards perfection, James Starks guns for another impressive appearance as a professional running back, while coach Mike McCarthy stares down a potential 10-0 continuing record against the Lions.
Of course, Starks can't manage all of the carries, right? Brandon Jackson and John Kuhn will continue to be factors in McCarthy's play-calling. The more the merrier for the Packers run game.
Greg Jennings will continue his career season, and should maintain his reputation as one of the league's most talented wide receivers.
This is the stretch run we've all been waiting so patiently for.
Sunday's game will be Green Bay' final tune-up before facing New York (8-4), New England (10-2), and Chicago (9-3); three serious playoff contenders.
Expect an all-around complete game from Green Bay.
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