Thanksgiving Showdown

[CaliforniaCheez]

What's at stake?

A Lions win means:

The Lions can either be 2 games back of the Packers with 5 games to go plus another shot at the Packers.

Lions maintain top Wild Card team position.

A Lions loss means:
The Lions can be 4 games back of the Packers with 5 games remaining.

Drop into a fight for the #6 seed (The Bears move up this week if they and the Lions lose, Falcons have head to head tiebreaker)

The stakes are high for the Lions.

A Packers Win Means:

The Packers essentially lock up winning their division and extend lead for #1 playoff position by having 2 more conference wins than the 49'ers.

A Packers Loss Means:

If they lose they are still #1 in the conference with tiebreaker over the 49'ers and the chance of a perfect season is over, along with the media "pressure."


I expect a high scoring game. Something like 45-38.
The Packers defense leads the NFL in interceptions. A key INT will be the difference in the game.

[sheepshead]

With Cutler gone, I think we're realistically looking at 1) staying healthy 2) staying healthy 3) staying ahead of the 49ers

[bobblehead]

Bet the over. Could see 100 points in this game. We will have 51 of them.

[vince]

Mark me down as concerned over this game. Detroit got a ton of pressure with their front four last year agiainst this o-line, and the o-line wasn't its sharpest against the Bucs. They aren't practicing in pads this week, so the they'll have a hard time repping the fundamentals they struggled with so they may not be much better next week against a much better d-line.

Combine that with some tough match-ups on the ohter side of the ball with a couple good Detroit TE's vs. a weak linebacking coverage unit and a big physical receiver vs. non-physical perimeter CB's. Football is about match-ups and based on the way the Packers are playing right now, there could be some tough match-ups this week.

Hopefully Rodgers, Jennings and Finley bounce back and make the Lions average defensive backs pay in the dome.

[Pugger]

I think the lack of reps on fundimentals is the main culprit for ALL of our woes on offense AND defense. This is actually a bigger game for the lyins. I just want us to get out of there in one piece with a healthy Rodgers. It will be huge for us to get the win but a loss isn't the end of the world.

[yooperfan]

If Starks is going to be out and Grant can't step it up, I worry the Lions
will be able to T off on the pass rush. Getting out healthy is first concern.....

But crushing the Lions hopes would be best...... after all watching the Lions
lose on Thanksgiving is an American tradition.

[vince]

If Starks is going to be out and Grant can't step it up, I worry the Lions
will be able to T off on the pass rush. Getting out healthy is first concern.....

But crushing the Lions hopes would be best...... after all watching the Lions
lose on Thanksgiving is an American tradition.
Starks' presence may be missed most as an outlet receiver. He's been good lately catching and runnign when Rodgers checks down. Grant has caught the ball pretty well this year in his limited opportunities and maybe Saine gets some opportunities on 3rd down. That's where he seems to be at his best from what I've seen, read and heard about him.

[Brandon494]

With Cutler gone, I think we're realistically looking at 1) staying healthy 2) staying healthy 3) staying ahead of the 49ers

I almost kinda want the 49ers to move above us, I think we match up better with them on the road rather than Green Bay.

[gbgary]

I almost kinda want the 49ers to move above us, I think we match up better with them on the road rather than Green Bay.

i know what you're saying but no. i know we don't want weather affecting our play but if it's in GB it's affecting the other team too. what we need is a blow up roof. :)

[pbmax]

Listening to Packer fans and columnists, its like the last 20 years never happened.

[Harlan Huckleby]

With Cutler gone, I think we're realistically looking at 1) staying healthy 2) staying healthy 3) staying ahead of the 49ers

I don't care much about staying ahead of 49ers. ya, it would be nice, but not worth getting undies in bundle over a regular season loss or two. No guarantee that San Fran makes it to championship if they are #1 seed. Pack can win in SF if need be, all the more challenge & glory if that's how it plays out.

[denverYooper]

Mark me down as concerned over this game. Detroit got a ton of pressure with their front four last year agiainst this o-line, and the o-line wasn't its sharpest against the Bucs. They aren't practicing in pads this week, so the they'll have a hard time repping the fundamentals they struggled with so they may not be much better next week against a much better d-line.

Combine that with some tough match-ups on the ohter side of the ball with a couple good Detroit TE's vs. a weak linebacking coverage unit and a big physical receiver vs. non-physical perimeter CB's. Football is about match-ups and based on the way the Packers are playing right now, there could be some tough match-ups this week.

Hopefully Rodgers, Jennings and Finley bounce back and make the Lions average defensive backs pay in the dome.

I'm with you on the OL. In particular, the interior guys have struggled some lately. Not a good problem to be shoring up against the Lions.

Finley will be much needed this week. I won't be surprised to see Q get more looks in the passing game and more hurry-up if they need to gas the Lions.

Brad Jones played a little more last week. I hope they're trying to get him a look in coverage because he was decent there pre-injury.

[denverYooper]

I almost kinda want the 49ers to move above us, I think we match up better with them on the road rather than Green Bay.

Not I. I think GB is built to be a better passing team in the cold than anyone who comes in there. Lambeau will be a big advantage once they adjust to the weather.

It's like driving in the snow. The first time, you're tentative and it takes you 20 minutes to make a 5 minute drive to grandpa's. After a couple of trips, though, you're doing donuts in the IGA parking lot and doing 60 up US41, passing the out-of-towners like they were standing still.

[mraynrand]

The ket to the game is the trenches, mostly the Packer O-line. The real concern is that Newhouse routinely directs speed rushers back and behind Rodgers. If Fairley, Suh, and Williams push the center of the line back, the ability of Rodgers to escape/step up and throw is going to be severely limited.

[mraynrand]

Listening to Packer fans and columnists, its like the last 20 years never happened.

Many of us have tried to put the whole F**** thing behind us.

[gbgary]

Many of us have tried to put the whole F**** thing behind us.

:lol:

[Packgator]

I almost kinda want the 49ers to move above us, I think we match up better with them on the road rather than Green Bay.

Since 2009 the Packers are 5-0 at home during December and January. Winning those games by an average
score of 33-12.

[mmmdk]

There was a poll here on PR early in the season on when Packers would lose their first game; I voted Thanksgiving & I'll stick to it. The Bucs game yesterday should've been the first Packers loss this season but lady fortuna guided the Packers to a win. Then again it's all about winning the Super Bowl come february but it [normally] takes a complete football team to win the Lombardi Trophy...and Packers are presently not such a team.

[denverYooper]

There was a poll here on PR early in the season on when Packers would lose their first game; I voted Thanksgiving & I'll stick to it. The Bucs game yesterday should've been the first Packers loss this season but lady fortuna guided the Packers to win. Then again it's all about winning the Super Bowl come february but it takes complete football teams to win the Lombardi Trophy...and Packers are presently not such a team.

Who has a "complete" team?

[mraynrand]

There was a poll here on PR early in the season on when Packers would lose their first game; I voted Thanksgiving & I'll stick to it. The Bucs game yesterday should've been the first Packers loss this season but Stubby fortuna guided the Packers to a win. Then again it's all about winning the Super Bowl come february but it [normally] takes a complete football team to win the Lombardi Trophy...and Packers are presently not such a team.

The Packers may have been listless for times during the game, but they were never behind and only briefly in danger of letting it get away. They were clearly the better team, but let their guard down. I remember the '96 and '97 squads playing a few games like this. The '96 team even got it handed to them in Minnesota, when they were at full strength. This Thursday is probably their toughest challenge, simply due to the major intensity they will encounter. But here's an interesting point - there are a lot of guys on the Packers squad who really thrive on intensity and challenge. The Packers will be just as up for this game as the Lions, if not more.

[mmmdk]

Who has a "complete" team?

Firstly, let's have a consensus to defining 'complete' team. Secondly, I did put in a "normally" about a complete team...bla bla bla.

To the former I'd say when luck becomes too big a factor in how our defense defends then you're not a complete team; a team that's not just a bonafide offense. But things can change but I suspect a spanking by Detroits offense to the Packers D will hopefully get their sh!t together. I predict Lions 48 Packers 45 in OT on thursday.

[gbgary]

The Bucs game yesterday should've been the first Packers loss this season...

totally disagree. may not have been their best game but they led the whole game. i wasn't biting my nails or worrying about it one bit.

[mmmdk]

The Packers may have been listless for times during the game, but they were never behind and only briefly in danger of letting it get away. They were clearly the better team, but let their guard down. I remember the '96 and '97 squads playing a few games like this. The '96 team even got it handed to them in Minnesota, when they were at full strength. This Thursday is probably their toughest challenge, simply due to the major intensity they will encounter. But here's an interesting point - there are a lot of guys on the Packers squad who really thrive on intensity and challenge. The Packers will be just as up for this game as the Lions, if not more.

Spot on! But you know me; I want this team to win the SB in february 2012 ...BADLY! :lol:

[mmmdk]

totally disagree. may not have been their best game but they led the whole game. i wasn't biting my nails or worrying about it one bit.

I agree somewhat; Packers are the better team but Bucs shot themselves in the foot enough times and got aided by Packers D enough to be bitter about losing the game.

[Guiness]

Who has a "complete" team?

Indi is completely rotten.

[mmmdk]

Indi is completely rotten.

Sneaky!

[denverYooper]

Indi is completely rotten.

Hey-yo!

[denverYooper]

I agree somewhat; Packers are the better team but Bucs shot themselves in the foot enough times and got aided by Packers D enough to be bitter about losing the game.

The Bucs did shoot themselves in the foot, but I think it was because their plan was to be very aggressive in order to take out the Champs. Raheem Morris said as much. There were times where that approach cost them.

[Freak Out]

Screen pass against that rush.

[CaliforniaCheez]

What a bunch of worry warts!!!

The Packers passing offense in a Dome is unstoppable except for Finley and James Jones drops.
Woodson and Tramon Williams are good for at least one INT.
We have Cobb as a return man
The Lions do not have much of a run game.
Stafford will screw up a couple of times.
The Lions D-line over pursues and looks for sacks. Running screens to Grant will be effective.
Grant should have a big day. The Lions are 28th in rushing defense.

[Guiness]

My greatest concern is late hits by Fairley and Suh on Rodgers. The hit on Cutler that Fairley got fined for, or something like it.

[pbmax]

The Packers may have been listless for times during the game, but they were never behind and only briefly in danger of letting it get away. They were clearly the better team, but let their guard down. I remember the '96 and '97 squads playing a few games like this. The '96 team even got it handed to them in Minnesota, when they were at full strength. This Thursday is probably their toughest challenge, simply due to the major intensity they will encounter. But here's an interesting point - there are a lot of guys on the Packers squad who really thrive on intensity and challenge. The Packers will be just as up for this game as the Lions, if not more.

I see you too, remember the Chiefs game. Lots of people banged up (incl. Chmura) but they could have pulled it out.

[George Cumby]

What a bunch of worry warts!!!

The Packers passing offense in a Dome is unstoppable except for Finley and James Jones drops.
Woodson and Tramon Williams are good for at least one INT.
We have Cobb as a return man
The Lions do not have much of a run game.
Stafford will screw up a couple of times.
The Lions D-line over pursues and looks for sacks. Running screens to Grant will be effective.
Grant should have a big day. The Lions are 28th in rushing defense.

What are you, human Prozac?

All of a sudden I feel good about Thursday.

[mraynrand]

I see you too, remember the Chiefs game. Lots of people banged up (incl. Chmura) but they could have pulled it out.

Didn't Doug Evans get ejected for touching a ref!?? GGGRrrrrrrrr! (Still angry)

[Pugger]

My greatest concern is late hits by Fairley and Suh on Rodgers. The hit on Cutler that Fairley got fined for, or something like it.

Me too. I don't want those big oafs hitting our fabulous QB and I haven't been too pleased with our pass protection lately... :neutral:

[Upnorth]

I was worried for about 2 minutes against TB. I am worried about Det Dline getting to ARod, but they seem to be much less fierce this year, and just cheaper. I maybe wrong, but their pass rush last year seemed better than this year.

[Upnorth]

Also I am worried that my wife will go into labour on wed or thurs. Either day and I might miss the game. However when I mentioned this to my wife she said we could watch it in the lounge if she is labouring! I think she is after something big for christmas!

[MJZiggy]

Starks' presence may be missed most as an outlet receiver. He's been good lately catching and runnign when Rodgers checks down. Grant has caught the ball pretty well this year in his limited opportunities and maybe Saine gets some opportunities on 3rd down. That's where he seems to be at his best from what I've seen, read and heard about him..

Starks may play on Thursday. http://www.packers.com/news-and-events/article_spofford/article-1/Starks-might-play-on-Thursday/d6ceffa5-1925-4d2a-8ef5-064c208e2c28

[Joemailman]

I think Sitton is really hobbled. Sitton vs. Suh worries me a bit. Okay, more than a bit.

[George Cumby]

Also I am worried that my wife will go into labour on wed or thurs. Either day and I might miss the game. However when I mentioned this to my wife she said we could watch it in the lounge if she is labouring! I think she is after something big for christmas!

Congrats!

[MJZiggy]

Also I am worried that my wife will go into labour on wed or thurs. Either day and I might miss the game. However when I mentioned this to my wife she said we could watch it in the lounge if she is labouring! I think she is after something big for christmas!

Labor can take a while and it can get kinda boring. Maybe she wants to watch the game too.

[pbmax]

Well, if you can time it, Tuesday night or Wednesday would be great because your wife will be sleeping while resting and recuperating the next two days. You can earn some Dad points watching over the tot while keeping 1 eye on the TV (pro tip: when watching infant with one eye, always use the bassinet or car seat). Do not sit in recliner with infant in the crook of your arm as they tend to become airborne if you pop out of the chair with too much enthusiasm.

If the child stirs, the nursery will be available "so Mom can get some rest". You will see 75% of the plays. I once watched a Sunday night game that way. Best part? You will be so tired you won't remember that you missed anything (in the game).

[mission]

Well, if you can time it, Tuesday night or Wednesday would be great because your wife will be sleeping while resting and recuperating the next two days. You can earn some Dad points watching over the tot while keeping 1 eye on the TV (pro tip: when watching infant with one eye, always use the bassinet or car seat). Do not sit in recliner with infant in the crook of your arm as they tend to become airborne if you pop out of the chair with too much enthusiasm.

If the child stirs, the nursery will be available "so Mom can get some rest". You will see 75% of the plays. I once watched a Sunday night game that way. Best part? You will be so tired you won't remember that you missed anything (in the game).

Good stuff! :lol:

[Upnorth]

My oldest almost went airborne to 4 & 26. She was about 2 wks old and in an infant Favre jersey my wife bought for me. That was when I knew my wife loved me inspite of my addiction.

[mmmdk]

Well, if you can time it, Tuesday night or Wednesday would be great because your wife will be sleeping while resting and recuperating the next two days. You can earn some Dad points watching over the tot while keeping 1 eye on the TV (pro tip: when watching infant with one eye, always use the bassinet or car seat). Do not sit in recliner with infant in the crook of your arm as they tend to become airborne if you pop out of the chair with too much enthusiasm.

If the child stirs, the nursery will be available "so Mom can get some rest". You will see 75% of the plays. I once watched a Sunday night game that way. Best part? You will be so tired you won't remember that you missed anything (in the game).

Really great stuff yet how will upnorth do the Champ belt move, while holding their golden nugget, when Packers score and score and score....? Lastly, remember upnorth, you're holding a baby and not a football!

Congrats & may Packers win on thanksgiving!

:pack:

[Fritz]

Hold babies and footballs snugly.

But don't scream and shout at the television; it's scary for babies - and grown ups, too.

I see the Packers losing. Too much intensity, too much pass rush, too much Pettigrew/Scheffler, plus megatron. Packers get taken out.

I'm not going to freak out. I'm not going to freak out. I'm not going to freak out...

[denverYooper]

Hold babies and footballs snugly.

But don't scream and shout at the television; it's scary for babies - and grown ups, too.

I see the Packers losing. Too much intensity, too much pass rush, too much Pettigrew/Scheffler, plus megatron. Packers get taken out.

I'm not going to freak out. I'm not going to freak out. I'm not going to freak out...

Yeah, the Packers just can't handle intense games.

IMO, the Loins pass rush is not that much better than Minny's and arguably worse than Denver's. The problem I have with the matchup is that inside pressure has been an issue as of late and that's where the real strength of the kitties line lies. I expect that will get better toward the end of the season but I sure hope that this is the week they get it sorted out.

I also think Finley busts out and drops a buck-fifty this week.

[mraynrand]

I also think Finley busts out and drops a buck-fifty this week.

I think (hope) you are right - but doesn't this belong in the Randall Cobb thread?

[Little Whiskey]

in an infant Favre jersey my wife bought for me. That was when I knew my wife loved me inspite of my addiction.

are you a midget?

[Little Whiskey]

I also think Finley busts out and drops a buck-fifty this week.

I hope so, my ffl team can use some help!

[mraynrand]

too much Pettigrew/Scheffler

A little Peprah-spray is not enough to handle Detroit's tight ends. But Packer-Bucs, Packers-Chargers shows that they may not be able to cover TEs even if they try.

[Upnorth]

are you a midget?

LOL!!! No 6' even, it was for my daughter who was a few weeks old, but it was considered my christmas gift from my wife, and it is one of the best gifts I have ever received.

[Bretsky]

Not happy with this thread for stealing some of my gamethread content ! :) I've privately been calling for this to be our first loss for the past six weeks.
Expect an Iron Clad Whammy guaranteed victory for the Lions !

[smuggler]

You guys are such loveable dorks.

[yooperfan]

But don't scream and shout at the television; it's scary for babies - and grown ups, too.

And pets....... my dog can never figure out why I'm all of a sudden yelling(either is joy or pain) and all he's doing is laying in his kennel.

[smuggler]

Nor will he ever understand. Poor pisser.

[MJZiggy]

Dammit, I meant to pick up drugs for the dog. We should have had this conversation yesterday.

[CaliforniaCheez]

NFL network says Starks will play.

[CaliforniaCheez]

I hope a lot of you doubters that posted in this thread will get on board with the Packers now.

[Upnorth]

So my assistants have told a bunch of clients about the labour and I have gotten 15 to 20 good luck texts. When I tell them about the delay every guy has said its gonna be a girl LOL!

[denverYooper]

This Dolphins team is feisty.

[Upnorth]

Dammit, I meant to pick up drugs for the dog. We should have had this conversation yesterday.

I quit trying to get animals stoned in highschool. What the hell does your family do on thanksgiving?