Detroit Lions’ Ground Game Faces Critical Challenge Against Packers’ Stalwart Run Defense
The Detroit Lions are preparing for a pivotal Week 13 clash with the Green Bay Packers, fully aware that the outcome may hinge on their performance in the running game. With a dynamic duo in the backfield, comprised of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, the Lions will face a formidable adversary in one of the league’s most disciplined run defenses. This matchup is set to be a significant factor in the highly competitive NFC North.
Previous Encounter Haunts Lions
When the Lions and Packers squared off earlier in the season, Green Bay effectively stifled Detroit’s rushing attack, limiting them to a mere 46 yards on 22 carries. Montgomery could only muster 25 yards, while Gibbs added 19, showcasing the Packers’ defensive prowess. As the season has progressed, Gibbs has transformed into one of the NFL’s most explosive playmakers, amassing 951 rushing yards with an impressive average of 6.1 yards per carry. Nearly half of his yardage has come from runs exceeding 15 yards, illustrating his big-play capability.
Yet, replicating this success will not be straightforward against the Packers. Matt LaFleur’s defense has allowed more than 100 rushing yards in a game only four times throughout the season. This week, Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley underscored the necessity of maintaining discipline to counter Gibbs’ game-changing speed.
Discipline is Key for the Packers
“You can’t be out of your gap. You can’t run up the field,” Hafley stressed during a press conference. “If you’re supposed to be a three-technique and have the B gap, you better be a three-technique and have the B gap. If you’re on the backside, you can’t run up the field. You got to squeeze back and make sure there’s no huge holes in our rush lanes. If he cuts the ball back in our A gap and you’re not there, there’s a chance he can score because he’s that fast. So, you have to be extremely sound and extremely disciplined.”
Lions’ Offensive Strategy
While Gibbs has garnered significant attention for his efficiency, Montgomery remains an essential component of the Lions’ rushing strategy. Heading into this Week 13 matchup, Montgomery averages 10 carries and 46.5 yards per game, providing the physicality needed to sustain drives and wear down defensive fronts.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell has been effusive in his praise for Gibbs, highlighting his versatility. “You can’t argue with everything that he’s able to do,” Campbell remarked. “He’s such a versatile player. Forget the ability that he has; he’s got some rare ability, but he’s smart, he’s a football guy, he can retain a lot of information. He knows all those jobs, and it doesn’t slow him down. He’s an instinctive football player. He’s got unbelievable vision for a runner. He knows how to set up blocks, and then he’s got the explosiveness and speed to finish. So, he’s got it all.”
Key Players in Focus
One player who will be crucial for the Packers in their effort to contain Detroit’s ground game is All-Pro safety Xavier McKinney. He leads Green Bay defenders with over 200 run-defense snaps and boasts the highest Pro Football Focus run-defense grade at 78.7. Additionally, he currently ranks as the eighth-best safety in the NFL, with a grade of 78.5.
The Lions’ offense thrives when Gibbs and Montgomery compel defenses to allocate additional resources to the box, creating opportunities for Jared Goff’s play-action passing game. Conversely, the Packers are well aware that stifling Detroit’s ground game is the blueprint they used to secure victory in their earlier matchup.
As the two teams prepare to meet again, the stakes are high. If the Lions can effectively utilize the legs of Gibbs and Montgomery, they might very well find success on the ground. Predictions suggest they could accumulate 112 total yards and potentially find the end zone once, but the challenge remains daunting against a disciplined Green Bay defense.
