With that out of the way, let's take a quick look at the Pack's win over the Lions.
Wow. That. Was.Close.
The Packers beat the Lions 23-22 on a last second field goal by K Mason Crosby. It wasn't the prettiest of games. The Pack went down 13-0 early on a couple of big plays by the Lions. But that score begins to tell the tale of the game: a TD and 2 FGs...the first 2 of 5 by the Lions kicker. Yes, just 1 touchdown given up by the Packers defense. Extreme bending, but no breaking.
As for the Packers offense, down to back up receivers deep on the depth chart, a potential new target for QB Aaron Rodgers showed up big time: Allen Lazard. If not for some of his catches, including a spectacular over-the-shoulder TD catch, the Pack would not have won the game. There were 3 turnovers by the Packers that kept the Lions churning. And there were some questionable hands-to-the-face penalties against the Lions at crucial times that kept the Pack drives going, including the last game-winning drive. Being able to run out the clock with just under 7 minutes left on the clock? Oh, yeah, that was key as well. Part of that was RB Jamaal Williams having the presence of mind to go to the ground instead of going into the endzone to keep the clock running. Just so many moments, big and small, in this game that allowed for the Pack to get to 5-1 and increase their lead in the NFC North.
As for the Packers offense, down to back up receivers deep on the depth chart, a potential new target for QB Aaron Rodgers showed up big time: Allen Lazard. If not for some of his catches, including a spectacular over-the-shoulder TD catch, the Pack would not have won the game. There were 3 turnovers by the Packers that kept the Lions churning. And there were some questionable hands-to-the-face penalties against the Lions at crucial times that kept the Pack drives going, including the last game-winning drive. Being able to run out the clock with just under 7 minutes left on the clock? Oh, yeah, that was key as well. Part of that was RB Jamaal Williams having the presence of mind to go to the ground instead of going into the endzone to keep the clock running. Just so many moments, big and small, in this game that allowed for the Pack to get to 5-1 and increase their lead in the NFC North.
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| Packers OLB Za'Darius Smith (ground) celebrates a sack against the Lions. Such celebrations may be curtained a bit in the future, but hopefully the sacks will continue. (Photo: Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis) |
The Raiders visit Lambeau Field
As you may recall, there was a preseason game between the Packers and Raiders this year. In Winnipeg. Remember that? There were problems with the field so some on-the-spot rules were made up to accommodate a shortened field. It was...odd, on many levels. So that game tells us nothing as no starters played.
The Packers, as noted earlier, are 5-1 coming off a short week (having played Monday night) with the Raiders at 3-2 and coming off a bye after their game and win against Da Bearz in London.
The Pack are injury-riddled at wide receiver and tight end. The team did add veteran WR Ryan Grant this week to boost weapons for Rodgers, but don't expect much of an impact at this point. He could, however, prove valuable as a much-needed slot receiver. The Raiders come in on three straight road games, winning against both the Colts and Da Bearz.
The Prediction
The Packers are favored by 5-1/2 points at the time of this writing. We have a sense this game could look a bit like the game against the Lions (hopefully without the turnovers), with the offense getting just enough production out of its running backs and receivers to stay on top. That's if the defense continues its winning ways. Which we expect they will. Although it would be nice to minimize those big plays over the top that have been the defense's real weak spot this season.
We're calling this game Packers 27 - Raiders 20.
Go Pack Go!!!
