Detroit Lions vs. Packers could be decided by game results

Bill Huber covers the Green Bay Packers for Packers OnSI. He recently answered five questions from Lions OnSI to preview Sunday’s game at Lambeau Field between the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers.

Were there noticeable differences between the team’s offensive style with Jordan Love and Malik Willis at center? What problems could Willis pose for the Lions defense if he were to start?

Bill Huber: Yes, no question, which I believe could benefit Green Bay if there are any doubts as we go through the training week.

With Willis, the Packers are a first-down offense. Against the Colts in Week 2, Josh Jacobs carried the ball 32 times. He got the ball 13 times in less than a half on Sunday in Jacksonville after Love left the field with a groin injury. It’s a cliché but true offensive attack that involves dribbling the ball, keeping the attack in good situations at distance and allowing for easier passes.

These simpler passes are often bootlegs of Willis. Willis is an excellent athlete and throws the ball with great accuracy, so plays like this benefit Green Bay and put the defense in a difficult position. Against the Jaguars, Travon Walker was ready for a sack and Willis simply iced it before going to the 20. On the next play, Jacobs broke two tackles for a 38-yard touchdown.

In Love’s case, we’ve seen the go-first approach with Aaron Rodgers and Love for years. The run game sets up the pass, much like Willis, but there are many more dropback options to take advantage of Love’s skills and receiver talent.

Which of the Packers’ young receivers poses the biggest threat to the Lions’ secondary on Sunday?

Huber: Jayden Reed is arguably the best player on offense and I think Reed vs. Amik Robertson will be a matchup the Packers will want to take advantage of.

Reed is a great player. He leads the team with 31 receptions, 507 yards and a 16.4 average and ranks third with three touchdowns. He runs a full route tree at receiver and often lines up in the backfield for passes and screens. He’s not the stereotypical “dump him and let him run” slot receiver.

He is so good that his mere presence keeps defenders occupied. There were several snaps of him being part of a two-back tandem in the backfield. Reed rushes to make a pass that draws the defense to his side, but it turns out to be a pass to another defender in the opposite direction.

He’ll be the first to tell you he’s thrown too many passes, but he’s a threat on the field or after the catch.

The Packers made several notable additions in free agency this offseason. Which of these rookies made the biggest impact in 2024?

Huber: Xavier McKinney has six interceptions in eight games. The Packers threw seven interceptions all of last season. So to say he changed defenses might be the understatement of the century.

It’s not just that he picks passes left and right. He covered events very well; it doesn’t mean he gets out of position and chases interceptions. He is also the best tackler in the position and a big leader. When McKinney speaks, people listen. Those “people” include two rookie cornerbacks, Javon Bullard and Evan Williams, who are playing a lot of snaps.

What 1-2 key matches can decide the outcome of Sunday’s game?

Huber: Green Bay’s defensive front has been hot and cold. The Packers had eight sacks against Tennessee and had a day against the Texans’ C.J. Stroud. The remaining games of the Ministry of Internal Affairs group. Against the Jaguars, the Packers had just one sack. With plenty of time to throw, Trevor Lawrence passed for 300 yards. Lawrence is a good player, but he is no Jared Goff.

Speaking of defense, who will stop Amun-Ra St. Brown? Cornerback Jaire Alexander suffered a knee injury on the final defensive snap against the Jaguars. He is a premier player. He has allowed one catch in each of his last three games, according to PFF. He allowed 2 passing yards against the Jaguars; there was carnage everywhere. My guess is that Alexander will be questionable on Sunday and perhaps even during the game.

The Packers should have success running the ball with Jacobs. Regardless of whether it’s Willis or the stumbling Love, the Packers can’t afford to live on third-and-8.

Who wins and why?

Huber: I share an office with ESPN’s Rob Demovsky and The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman. Before last year’s rematch at Ford Field, I told Schneidman something like this: “These teams can play 100 times, and the Lions can win 99.” Or maybe I said 100.

Whatever their numbers, the Lions are really good, and I’m not sure the Packers are strong enough to handle Detroit’s offensive line and powerful running back.

Well, obviously I was wrong, as Matt has reminded me several times over the past 11 months. However, the point remains. I think Detroit is the better team and they will win the majority of the games, and they will certainly win a large percentage of the games if Jordan Love is stuck in the pocket with a groin injury.

I’ll take Detroit to cover the spread…with the caveat that I’ll probably go broke if I bet on the games.