Lions Diary

Here comes The Pack. Green Bay, fresh off gets run over on Monday night, comes to Ford Field to take on the Lions Sunday. Detroit fans are hoping this is the Lions chance to finish off the Packers once and for all. A loss would be devastating to the Packers playoff hopes and a win would elevate the lion's post-season chances. Some are wondering if a loss would end the current era of Packers' success?

Regardless, a Lions victory would be a big, big win. In some ways, it would mean more than last week's road win vs. Atlanta because the Packers are a division opponent. Beating The Pack, improving their divisional and conference record, while inching closer to a playoff birth of their own? Yeah, it's a stinkin' big game no matter what Green Bay does the rest of the year.

Even with Bret Favre's so-so dome history, I am leery of thinking the Lions can beat the Packers. Call me crazy, but I felt much more confident of beating the Falcons in their home than the Lions dropping the Packers in Detroit. Not that I think it cannot be done, Green Bay has looked putrid and the Lions have been solid, but maybe the old cynical Lions fan in me is speaking up. I've just seen G.B. beat up the Honolulu Blue for too long.

If the Lions hope to win, the ground game will have to step up for Detroit as will Joey Harrington. Artose Pinner is going to need to get 100 yards rushing or very close to that. A touchdown is probably necessary, as well. Harrington will need to spread the ball around and keep the chains moving. I don't know if we can count on Roy Williams to make a great play, so Harrington may have to.

The Lions' front seven has been excellent and will need to continue to be. I love what the LB's did last week. Seems like Teddy Lehman, Alex Lewis and James Davis all had a big play or two. As the DL has been making plays all year, Shaun Rogers and James Hall are having Pro Bowl-type years, it was nice to see the 'backers step up, too.

I'm cautiously optimistic about the game. Not as much as last week, but still hopeful.

Update: The Lions are ranked 11th in Dr. Z's power rankings. Maybe a win away from the top ten?!?!?!