(Green Bay) In their last visit to Lambeau Field, the Detroit Lions eliminated the Green Bay Packers – in what would become star quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ final game in the green and yellow uniform.
Nearly nine months later, the Lions return to Wisconsin with a chance to solidify their hold on first place in the National Association’s North Division. Provided, of course, that they have the Packers for a fourth time in a row.
“We know we can win there,” said Lions head coach Dan Campbell. We have already done this in the past. But we have to deserve it. They will not give us this victory on a silver platter. It will be noisy; it’s a very hostile environment. And they play well. So, here we are. »
The Lions (2-1) and the Packers (2-1) will begin their Thursday evening duel together at the top of the Northern section of the National. The two other clubs in their section have still not tasted a victory this season: the Chicago Bears (0-3) and the Minnesota Vikings (0-3).
The team that wins on Thursday will gain a slight advantage in the standings.
“It’s obviously going to be a big game for us, one we can’t afford to miss,” Packers quarterback Jordan Love said.
Certainly, the Packers have a lifetime record of 105-75-7 against the Lions, but the Michigan team has won their last three meetings. During the last week of activities in 2022, the Lions took the measure of the Packers 20-16 and prevented Rodgers’ troop from reaching the NFL playoffs.
The Packers, however, downplayed the importance of obtaining redress Thursday evening.
“Honestly, it’s all history,” Packers tackle Kenny Clark said. It’s a new season. »
This team is obviously very different from the one that faced the Lions last year, especially on offense.
Rodgers is now with the New York Jets and recovering from a torn Achilles tendon, while Love leads the Packers’ offense — which features many young players at the wideout positions.
These “new” Packers will try to build on their victorious comeback from last week, after they scored 18 unanswered points in the final 11 minutes of play to snatch an 18-17 victory from the New Orleans Saints.
For their part, the Lions defeated the Atlanta Falcons 20-6. The Georgia team had defeated the Packers 25-24 the previous week.
“We know this game is winnable, because we made it last year when it was a no-win game,” said Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone.
” It’ll be fun. A prime time game at Lambeau Field? It’s every football player’s dream,” he concluded.