The Detroit Lions win Sunday by controlling the ball with heavy personnel and running directly at the Green Bay Packers’ thin defensive line. Green Bay is blitz-happy and built to create free rushers, not defend 12 and 13 personnel for four quarters. Detroit’s physical offensive line and Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs give them the clearest edge.
How should the Detroit Lions attack the Packers defense?
Run the ball, stay out of obvious dropbacks, and punish light boxes. Green Bay’s pressure plan is about scheming free rushers, not winning straight up. As Justice Mosqueda explained, the Packers will send seven and disguise coverage to bait quick-game reads, so make them tackle and defend gaps instead of dictating protections.
Why Green Bay’s D-line depth is a target
Mosqueda said the Packers have only four defensive tackles for a three-four front and signed Mozzie Smith to the practice squad this week, underscoring how thin they are. He added that Dallas lived in 11 personnel and never tested that depth, and warned that by mid third quarter the Packers’ defensive line legs can be shot if forced to defend heavy sets.
Detroit Lions right tackle Penei Sewell and Detroit Lions center Cade Mays set a more physical tone up front, with Juice Scruggs having been a capable fill-in. As Jeff Risdon noted, Detroit backed off the early-season blitzing in the Arizona game and let the front four work. Offensively, that same patience applies now: commit to 12 and 13 personnel and own time of possession.
What will Jordan Love and Green Bay test downfield?
Explosives over a non-existent run game. Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love is attacking vertically and living off deep shots, even while absorbing hits behind what Mosqueda called a thirty third-ranked offensive line and with the league’s highest drop rate. As Jeff Risdon relayed from Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell, there are YOLO balls, and they draw flags or hit for chunk gains.
Green Bay leans on condensed formations and quick game to survive second-and-long. With Jaden Reed out, Savion Williams is the slot, and Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft works the middle. Expect crossers and slants to complement go routes for Christian Watson and company. Detroit must disrupt timing with four-man pressure and tackle the catch.
Which Lions stars tilt this matchup for Detroit?
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff must be decisive versus disguises, but the matchup swings with Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs and the line in front of him. Mosqueda agreed that Jahmyr Gibbs can reach the second level and bounce runs outside, especially with injuries and rotation issues at Green Bay’s second level.
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta give Jared Goff blitz-beater outlets, while Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch makes his season debut this week to help on the back end. Green Bay Packers cornerback Keyshawn Nixon is playing his best ball, so Detroit should use motion and stacks to free releases and avoid isolation into disguised pressure.
What game flow should fans expect in Week 7?
Contrasting styles. Detroit’s best path is to hold the ball, wear down a thin front, and force Green Bay out of its pressure comfort zone. Green Bay will hunt explosives because it lacks a functional run game. This is the Lions’ first NFC North game after the bye, and Mosqueda said “Lions by three” matches the line, declining a formal prediction. The mandate is clear: control tempo and make the Packers tackle for four quarters.
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