Packers vs Lions
By: Jake Rajala
An NFC North showdown will kick off the season. The Lions will travel to Lambeau Field to battle Micah Parsons and the Green Bay Packers. With that said, I’m going to unfold a few x-factors in the contest.
Penei Sewell
It will be paramount that Penei Sewell holds his ground. The Lions will try to run behind him with Gibbs. They will also have to trust him with single teams, as Taylor Decker will get extra protection. Penei had a PFF grade of 87.5 last season! He had the second best run grade among tackles with 90.5!
Matthew Golden
I recently pegged Matthew Golden as an OROY candidate. Romeo Doubs led the team in targets last season with 82. I foresee Golden getting near 100 this season. Golden was one of the most explosive WRs in the draft. He can get the ball off screens, jet sweeps, and deep passes.
The Lions ranked 31st in passing yards allowed last season.
Marcus Davenport
If Marcus Davenport is healthy, which is rare, he is one of the most gifted pass rushers in the business. It’s Week 1, so there’s a clean slate. Davenport is healthy and he will look to have double digit sacks, as the offense will mostly pay their attention on blocking Hutch.
Rashan Gary
Everybody is talking about Micah Parsons, but let’s not forget about Rashan Gary. All he did last season was record 7.5 sacks, 15 QB hits, and nine TFLs! He will likely face a lot of single blockers, as Parsons will demand double and even triple teams. Gary made his first Pro Bowl last season!
Alex Anzalone
Alex Anzalone is back and healthy, after only playing in 10 games last season. He is one of the most versatile linebackers in the NFL. He is also a former Saint, along with Davenport. It will be critical that Anzalone can slow down the Packers Pro Bowl RB Josh Jacobs.
As you can see there are a lot underrated players on this list. They also play different positions. It will be a thrill seeing which plays in the shadow come out in the spotlight.
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