The Packers won against San Francisco on
Sunday, but lost two key components of
their defense. Cornerback Al Harris and
linebacker Aaron Kampman both tore their
ACL against the Niners and are out for
the rest of the season. Kampman had 3 ½
sacks so far in the year, while Harris
had two picks and a sack of his own.
This is a huge blow for the Packers
heading into their Thanksgiving showdown
with the lions, as their defense was
steadily improving as the year went on.
On Sunday the Lions played in what
had to be their most exciting game in
years. Detroit scored with zero seconds
left on the clock to squeak by the
Browns 38-37. At one point in the game
the Lions were down by 21, but showed
poise and competence; two traits not
necessarily associated with the Detroit
Lions.
Bad news however, is QB Matt
Stafford’s condition. The number-one
pick in last year’s draft set an NFL
rookie record with 5 touchdown passes,
but injured his shoulder on the last
play and isn’t expected to play.
What The Packers Have To Do
To Win
The injuries to Kampman and Harris
will hurt the defense, but at least
they’re playing a Lions team that just
lost their starting quarterback. There
are some weapons on Detroit’s offense,
but without a competent QB to throw them
the ball, the Packers will be able to
try a few things out on defense without
the fear of being burned. Still, the
Pack are an offensive team first and are
playing a defense that gave up 37 points
to the Browns. Just let Aaron Rodgers do
his thing and the win should come.
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What The Lions Have To Do To
Win
Without Stafford, the Lions will be
forced to turn to Daunte Culpepper. And
I mean forced. Culpepper played poorly
in his last game action with Detroit,
going 6-of-18 for 48 yards and a pick
against these same Packers on October
18th.
However, the Lions are playing a very
hurt Packers defense. If Culpepper can
just act like a competent quarterback
and get star wide-out Calvin Johnson the
ball, the Lions can pull off an upset
yet. The explosive Johnson versus the
depleted Packers secondary will be the
matchup to watch in the game.
