http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=700277
Preview: Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions Line: Packers by 3.
MATCHUPS
QUARTERBACKS: Green Bay's Brett Favre has had arguably the best season of his 17-year career. When the most valuable player voting is done later this month, Favre is likely to finish second behind New England's Tom Brady. Detroit's Jon Kitna has taken a beating and been sacked more than any quarterback in the NFL this year. But Kitna is courageous and extremely accurate when given time. At 36 years old, Kitna - like Favre - continues to play at a high level. ADVANTAGE: Packers
RUNNING BACKS: Green Bay's Ryan Grant was lodged deep on the bench for nearly half of the season. Amazingly, Grant is a Pro Bowl alternate today. Detroit's Kevin Jones is a respectable back, but the Lions run the ball fewer than any team in the NFL. ADVANTAGE: Packers
WIDE RECEIVERS: Green Bay's Donald Driver is headed to his second straight Pro Bowl and third overall, while Greg Jennings was named an alternate. Detroit placed No. 1 wideout Roy Williams on injured reserve after he suffered a sprained posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee Dec. 2 against Minnesota. Rookie Calvin Johnson, the No. 2 overall pick in last April's draft, has been inconsistent. ADVANTAGE: Packers
OFFENSIVE LINE: Green Bay hopes its days of experimenting at guard are over, and that Jason Spitz and Junius Coston continue to run with the opportunities presented them. Detroit leads the league in sacks allowed and continues to rank in the bottom three in rushing offense. ADVANTAGE: Packers
DEFENSIVE LINE: The Packers are having all sorts of issues at defensive tackle, where Johnny Jolly (shoulder) and Colin Cole (arm) are on injured reserve and Ryan Pickett (groin) and Justin Harrell (thumb) have been dinged. Detroit has one of the game's dominant inside players in Shaun Rogers, a two-time Pro Bowler. But as the Packers found out on Thanksgiving, Rogers doesn't always play hard and is invisible for long stretches. Detroit's best lineman all season has been end Dewayne White. ADVANTAGE: Packers
LINEBACKERS: Green Bay's Nick Barnett had every right to feel snubbed by the Pro Bowl voters. But Detroit's Ernie Sims must have felt just as neglected. Despite being tiny for the position, Sims (5-11, 225) packs quite a punch and runs like the wind. Boss Bailey has never developed as hoped, while ex-Packer Paris Lenon is simply adequate in the middle. ADVANTAGE: Packers
SECONDARY: The Packers have gotten better play from their safeties in recent weeks. Now, they need cornerback Al Harris to step up his game. Prior to the Chicago game, Harris had given up touchdowns in three straight contests. Travis Fisher and Fernando Bryant should be reserves. Rookie safety Gerald Alexander probably has the most potential in the Lions' secondary. ADVANTAGE: Packers
SPECIAL TEAMS: Detroit kicker Jason Hanson is an all-time great and remains among the game's elite at his craft. Green Bay has improved in almost every facet of this category in the past 12 months. The Packers' coverage units are outstanding, the return game is strong and the specialists have been better than average. ADVANTAGE: Packers
COACHING: When coach of the year votes are cast, Green Bay's Mike McCarthy and New England's Bill Belichick figure to finish 1-2 in the voting. For McCarthy, it's been a shocking rise to be mentioned with the game's elite coaches. Detroit's Rod Marinelli appeared to have the Lions headed in the right direction at mid-season. But a second half swoon might force Marinelli to shake up his staff this off-season. ADVANTAGE: Packers
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NOTE: LAUGHABLE LIONS PREVIEW :rotflmao: :rotflmao:
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2007/12/scouting_report_green_bay_pack.html
Scouting report: Green Bay Packers Three keys to the Detroit Lions-Green Bay Packers matchup Sunday at Lambeau Field:
1. Brett Favre -- Even if the future Hall of Fame quarterback is pulled after the first quarter, chances are he'll do some damage against the Lions. He lit it up at Ford Field after a sluggish start. No problem defeating the Lions 37-26 in their first meeting on Turkey Day. And keep in mind the Lions have never defeated Favre at Lambeau Field. It might be their best chance in a long time since Favre should be restricted to part-time duty, but the Lions also haven't won in their last 15 trips there -- second-longest active streak in the NFL. (Note: The Lions' 18 consecutive losses in Washington ranks No. 1 on that dreaded list.) The last win by the Lions in the state of Wisconsin was a 21-17 victory at Lambeau in 1991.
2. Greg Jennings -- The former Kalamazoo Central High School and Western Michigan University star needs just 80 more yards receiving to achieve his first 1,000-yard season. So expect Favre to test the Lions' suspect secondary with a couple of deep shots in the first quarter. Jennings, a budding NFL star, already has caught 12 touchdown passes this season -- most by a Packers receiver since Javon Walker had 12 in 2004. It's a big season for Jennings even though he missed the first two games of the season with a hamstring injury.
3. Cold weather -- The frozen tundra is a big advantage for the Packers, who're celebrating their 50th anniversary of famed Lambeau Field this season. In games where the temperature has been 34 degrees or less, a Favre-led Packers team is 41-5 all-time at home. The Lions are a dome team, which might pose problems right from the start. Until the Lions get warmed up, Favre could get off to a hot start.
Bottom line -- The Packers are locked into the No. 2 seed in the NFC and have nothing to gain from going all out against the Lions. For Detroit, coach Marinelli gets a chance to see who still wants to be part of the rebuilding plan for next season. :rotflmao: :rotflmao:
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http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/NFL+Zone/Games/2007/2.17+-+Detroit+at+Green+Bay.htm?tab=preview
Detroit at Green Bay
Overview: The Packers have clinched a home-field playoff game despite their stunning 35-7 loss to the Bears. The Lions ended a six-game losing streak, but they will look to end an even longer skid in this game. They haven’t beaten the Packers in Green Bay since 1991.
When the Lions have the ball: Coordinator Mike Martz favored a power-running game against the Chiefs once RB Kevin Jones (right knee) got hurt, and Martz might employ similar elements against the Packers, just as they did early in the first matchup before getting impatient. The Bears ran the ball 45 times for 139 yards, consistently attacking the middle of Green Bay’s D-line. The Lions were conservative, with a nearly two-to-one run-pass ratio. QB Jon Kitna’s 16 attempts, in fact, were the fewest in his Lions career. The Lions have not pass-blocked well, and since WR Roy Williams (knee) went down, so has the big-play factor in the passing game.
When the Packers have the ball: The Lions are very vulnerable to the pass, just as they were on Thanksgiving when Brett Favre completed 31-of-41 passes for 381 yards and three TDs. WR Greg Jennings scored two TDs in that game, but the Lions especially had no answer for Donald Driver (10-147). The Lions’ pass rush has sagged recently, and the secondary looks like a beaten group. Witness the 305-yard performance Chiefs backup QB Damon Huard produced last week. The only chance the Lions have to slow down Favre is to hope he’s as inaccurate as he was last week, when he was intercepted twice.
Matchup to watch: Packers DE Aaron Kampman had two sacks against Lions ORTs Jonathan Scott and Blaine Saipaia in the last meeting, but it’s Damien Woody handling the snaps over there now.
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http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/nflpreview?gameId=271230009
Scouts Inc.: The Packers are coming off a tough loss to the Bears that cost Green Bay a chance at home field throughout the NFC playoffs, while the Lions snapped a six-game skid with last week's win over Kansas City. The Packers were embarrassed in Chicago and are looking to get back on track but really don't have anything to play for as they have already locked up the second seed in the NFC.
The Lions are playing for pride and looking to build on momentum heading into the 2008 season. Earlier in the season this looked like a matchup with significant implications for the postseason but it has turned into a feisty battle for divisional pride.
:USA:
mg: :stpat: mg: :USA:
Preview: Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions Line: Packers by 3.
MATCHUPS
QUARTERBACKS: Green Bay's Brett Favre has had arguably the best season of his 17-year career. When the most valuable player voting is done later this month, Favre is likely to finish second behind New England's Tom Brady. Detroit's Jon Kitna has taken a beating and been sacked more than any quarterback in the NFL this year. But Kitna is courageous and extremely accurate when given time. At 36 years old, Kitna - like Favre - continues to play at a high level. ADVANTAGE: Packers
RUNNING BACKS: Green Bay's Ryan Grant was lodged deep on the bench for nearly half of the season. Amazingly, Grant is a Pro Bowl alternate today. Detroit's Kevin Jones is a respectable back, but the Lions run the ball fewer than any team in the NFL. ADVANTAGE: Packers
WIDE RECEIVERS: Green Bay's Donald Driver is headed to his second straight Pro Bowl and third overall, while Greg Jennings was named an alternate. Detroit placed No. 1 wideout Roy Williams on injured reserve after he suffered a sprained posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee Dec. 2 against Minnesota. Rookie Calvin Johnson, the No. 2 overall pick in last April's draft, has been inconsistent. ADVANTAGE: Packers
OFFENSIVE LINE: Green Bay hopes its days of experimenting at guard are over, and that Jason Spitz and Junius Coston continue to run with the opportunities presented them. Detroit leads the league in sacks allowed and continues to rank in the bottom three in rushing offense. ADVANTAGE: Packers
DEFENSIVE LINE: The Packers are having all sorts of issues at defensive tackle, where Johnny Jolly (shoulder) and Colin Cole (arm) are on injured reserve and Ryan Pickett (groin) and Justin Harrell (thumb) have been dinged. Detroit has one of the game's dominant inside players in Shaun Rogers, a two-time Pro Bowler. But as the Packers found out on Thanksgiving, Rogers doesn't always play hard and is invisible for long stretches. Detroit's best lineman all season has been end Dewayne White. ADVANTAGE: Packers
LINEBACKERS: Green Bay's Nick Barnett had every right to feel snubbed by the Pro Bowl voters. But Detroit's Ernie Sims must have felt just as neglected. Despite being tiny for the position, Sims (5-11, 225) packs quite a punch and runs like the wind. Boss Bailey has never developed as hoped, while ex-Packer Paris Lenon is simply adequate in the middle. ADVANTAGE: Packers
SECONDARY: The Packers have gotten better play from their safeties in recent weeks. Now, they need cornerback Al Harris to step up his game. Prior to the Chicago game, Harris had given up touchdowns in three straight contests. Travis Fisher and Fernando Bryant should be reserves. Rookie safety Gerald Alexander probably has the most potential in the Lions' secondary. ADVANTAGE: Packers
SPECIAL TEAMS: Detroit kicker Jason Hanson is an all-time great and remains among the game's elite at his craft. Green Bay has improved in almost every facet of this category in the past 12 months. The Packers' coverage units are outstanding, the return game is strong and the specialists have been better than average. ADVANTAGE: Packers
COACHING: When coach of the year votes are cast, Green Bay's Mike McCarthy and New England's Bill Belichick figure to finish 1-2 in the voting. For McCarthy, it's been a shocking rise to be mentioned with the game's elite coaches. Detroit's Rod Marinelli appeared to have the Lions headed in the right direction at mid-season. But a second half swoon might force Marinelli to shake up his staff this off-season. ADVANTAGE: Packers
_____________________________________________________________________
NOTE: LAUGHABLE LIONS PREVIEW :rotflmao: :rotflmao:
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2007/12/scouting_report_green_bay_pack.html
Scouting report: Green Bay Packers Three keys to the Detroit Lions-Green Bay Packers matchup Sunday at Lambeau Field:
1. Brett Favre -- Even if the future Hall of Fame quarterback is pulled after the first quarter, chances are he'll do some damage against the Lions. He lit it up at Ford Field after a sluggish start. No problem defeating the Lions 37-26 in their first meeting on Turkey Day. And keep in mind the Lions have never defeated Favre at Lambeau Field. It might be their best chance in a long time since Favre should be restricted to part-time duty, but the Lions also haven't won in their last 15 trips there -- second-longest active streak in the NFL. (Note: The Lions' 18 consecutive losses in Washington ranks No. 1 on that dreaded list.) The last win by the Lions in the state of Wisconsin was a 21-17 victory at Lambeau in 1991.
2. Greg Jennings -- The former Kalamazoo Central High School and Western Michigan University star needs just 80 more yards receiving to achieve his first 1,000-yard season. So expect Favre to test the Lions' suspect secondary with a couple of deep shots in the first quarter. Jennings, a budding NFL star, already has caught 12 touchdown passes this season -- most by a Packers receiver since Javon Walker had 12 in 2004. It's a big season for Jennings even though he missed the first two games of the season with a hamstring injury.
3. Cold weather -- The frozen tundra is a big advantage for the Packers, who're celebrating their 50th anniversary of famed Lambeau Field this season. In games where the temperature has been 34 degrees or less, a Favre-led Packers team is 41-5 all-time at home. The Lions are a dome team, which might pose problems right from the start. Until the Lions get warmed up, Favre could get off to a hot start.
Bottom line -- The Packers are locked into the No. 2 seed in the NFC and have nothing to gain from going all out against the Lions. For Detroit, coach Marinelli gets a chance to see who still wants to be part of the rebuilding plan for next season. :rotflmao: :rotflmao:
______________________________________________________________________
http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/NFL+Zone/Games/2007/2.17+-+Detroit+at+Green+Bay.htm?tab=preview
Detroit at Green Bay
Overview: The Packers have clinched a home-field playoff game despite their stunning 35-7 loss to the Bears. The Lions ended a six-game losing streak, but they will look to end an even longer skid in this game. They haven’t beaten the Packers in Green Bay since 1991.
When the Lions have the ball: Coordinator Mike Martz favored a power-running game against the Chiefs once RB Kevin Jones (right knee) got hurt, and Martz might employ similar elements against the Packers, just as they did early in the first matchup before getting impatient. The Bears ran the ball 45 times for 139 yards, consistently attacking the middle of Green Bay’s D-line. The Lions were conservative, with a nearly two-to-one run-pass ratio. QB Jon Kitna’s 16 attempts, in fact, were the fewest in his Lions career. The Lions have not pass-blocked well, and since WR Roy Williams (knee) went down, so has the big-play factor in the passing game.
When the Packers have the ball: The Lions are very vulnerable to the pass, just as they were on Thanksgiving when Brett Favre completed 31-of-41 passes for 381 yards and three TDs. WR Greg Jennings scored two TDs in that game, but the Lions especially had no answer for Donald Driver (10-147). The Lions’ pass rush has sagged recently, and the secondary looks like a beaten group. Witness the 305-yard performance Chiefs backup QB Damon Huard produced last week. The only chance the Lions have to slow down Favre is to hope he’s as inaccurate as he was last week, when he was intercepted twice.
Matchup to watch: Packers DE Aaron Kampman had two sacks against Lions ORTs Jonathan Scott and Blaine Saipaia in the last meeting, but it’s Damien Woody handling the snaps over there now.
________________________________________________________________________
http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/nflpreview?gameId=271230009
Scouts Inc.: The Packers are coming off a tough loss to the Bears that cost Green Bay a chance at home field throughout the NFC playoffs, while the Lions snapped a six-game skid with last week's win over Kansas City. The Packers were embarrassed in Chicago and are looking to get back on track but really don't have anything to play for as they have already locked up the second seed in the NFC.
The Lions are playing for pride and looking to build on momentum heading into the 2008 season. Earlier in the season this looked like a matchup with significant implications for the postseason but it has turned into a feisty battle for divisional pride.
:USA:
mg: :stpat: mg: :USA:
