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Families across Wisconsin sat down to watch Aaron Rodgers, Clay Matthews and Greg Jennings try to lead the Packers past the Lions on Thanksgiving.

They got what they wanted, and a little bit more.

Little-known backups Evan Dietrich-Smith, D.J. Smith and Robert Francois all came up big for Green Bay. After Francois picked off Matthew Stafford, my family jumped for joy, then said in unison: “Who’s that guy?”

The Packers Next Man Up mantra was on display once again on Thursday and the result was 11-0.

Onto the stock report:

Rising

Aaron Rodgers
If not for dropped passes from Andrew Quarless and Randall Cobb, Rodgers would’ve had four TDs. Nothing wrong with two TDs on 22 of 33 for 307 yards and no interceptions, though.

Tramon Williams
Tramon Williams 1, Megatron 0.

Ted Thompson
I’ve listed Mike McCarthy in the stock report before, so it’s only fair to include Thompson. The GM’s knack for finding reserves that fit the Packers system was displayed again on Thursday. D.J. Smith, Robert Francois and Evan Dietrich-Smith all entered the game after injuries to the starters and made an impact.

Steady

Charles Woodson
Normally, an up-and-down CB like Woodson is too inconsistent to get a spot in the steady category. However, Woodson consistently makes big plays, even if he gets beat more than he used to. I’m not sure if those previous two sentences make sense, but I’m not sure how else to explain it. I guess I’m trying to say that Woodson might not be the most steady of CBs in coverage any more, but he’s steady in his ability to make big plays.  Read more... (410 words + 1 image, estimated 1:38 mins reading time)

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Going into the Thanksgiving showdown between the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions on Thursday, my prediction for a Lions upset victory was admittedly tenuous. I knew the Packers had more skill, more talent, and more depth; nevertheless, I was wary about Detroit’s ability to stun opponents with their comeback play. Green Bay has consistently been unable to drive the dagger deep into most of their opponents, and I thought that would come back to bite them against an emotionally-driven team in such a hostile environment.

Boy was I wrong.

Part of the concern for most fans and even beat writers was the list of match-up problems playing against the Packers. The Lion’s infamous front four would be squaring off against an offensive line that had been giving up some pressure in recent games. And Matthew Stafford with his corps of receivers (led by Calvin “Megatron” Johnson) was more than capable of putting up yards against a Packers secondary who found most of their success in turnovers rather than consistent stops.

At face value, it seemed like such a perfect recipe for Green Bay’s first potential loss of the season. The Detroit Lions apparently had the fire and wild energy to disrupt the cool focus of Aaron Rodgers and his teammates.

Fortunately, there was one thing we seemed to be glossing over. One thing that can turn match-up problems into mostly non-issues. One thing that can mean the difference between a hard-fought victory and a heart-breaking loss.  Read more... (983 words + 1 image, estimated 3:56 mins reading time)

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N-DUMB-ukong; Not a man, just a "Boy Named Suh"

I overestimated the Detroit Lions. I though they were a good football team that would play the Packers even on Thanksgiving day.

And I was wrong…

I can’t say I saw the entire game. A house full of over 20 Thanksgiving guests and my turkey-carving duties saw to that. But I really didn’t need to.  What I did see:

I saw the Packers as steely, methodical and under control (except for Pat Lee – although I haven’t seen that play yet). The Packers made few mistakes, committing zero turnovers and eight penalties, only two more than their season average of six per game in what was definitely a chippy contest.

I saw the Lions as young, dumb, and mentally numb. One could say the Lions choked a bit in a big spot. Stafford threw 3 interceptions (should have been a pick-six fourth, Tramon…). The Lions came into the game averaging 8.5 penalties per game and committed eleven in this game. In the first quarter, they basically stopped themselves with penalties on several drives. And of course N-DUMB-ukong Suh showed the world he is still an immature little boy playing with men, and gave the Packers seven points in the process.  Read more... (653 words + 3 images, estimated 2:37 mins reading time)

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Aaron Rodgers rebounded from a slow start, James Jones caught his fifth touchdown pass and the defense played arguably its finest game of 2011 season as the Green Bay Packers took down the Detroit Lions, 27-15, on Thursday at Ford Field.

Here are five observations from the game:

1. Defense states their case

On a day in which the Packers lost Desmond Bishop, A.J. Hawk and Erik Walden at various times, the defense may have played their best game of the 2011 season. Despite giving up over 400 total yards again, the Packers intercepted Matthew Stafford three times and held a shutout into the fourth quarter against an explosive offense on the road. Calvin Johnson, one of the NFL’s best receivers, was held to just four catches for 49 yards and a meaningless garbage time touchdown. Backup inside linebackers D.J. Smith and Robert Francois played surprisingly well in emergency duty. Considering everything involved on Thursday, you could make a strong case this was the Packers most impressive defensive performance of 2011.

2. Suh’s stomp changes game

Terry McAulay’s officiating crew were bad for both sides on Thursday, but they absolutely got it right when they ejected Ndamukong Suh in the third quarter. Not only did he stomp Evan Dietrich-Smith’s arm, but Suh also banged Dietrich-Smith’s head off the ground multiple times before the stomp. There’s simply no place for that kind of behavior in football, and Suh deserves to sit a couple of games, especially considering his history. Luckily for the Packers, Suh’s dirty play gave them a new set of downs at the Lions’ 1-yard-line, and John Kuhn promptly turned the break into a 14-0 lead 9:06 left in the third quarter. It wasn’t the decicing factor in the game, but Suh’s ejection and penalty turned the tides in what was a close contest at that juncture.  Read more... (932 words + 1 image, estimated 3:44 mins reading time)

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The Green Bay Packers (10-0) travel to Detroit to take on the Lions (7-3) Thursday. The following 10 are things you should watch during the first Thanksgiving contest between the two teams since 2007:

1. Right side of the offensive line

A lot of the talk on Thursday will be about right guard Josh Sitton and his ability to keep Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh out of the Packers backfield. While that is obviously an important matchup, don’t forget about right tackle Bryan Bulaga. He had his worst game as a professional last December in Detroit, allowing two sacks, one quarterback hit and four pressures. Bulaga needs to play better against the Lions’ edge rushers on Thursday.

2.  Stay disciplined

The Lions have gained a reputation as a “dirty” team this season, and Suh—the leader of bunch—has already ran his confident mouth this week. The Packers have done well in 2011 to avoid lowering themselves to such tactics (see: Atlanta Falcons week). I wouldn’t be at all surprised if the Lions didn’t try to get under the Packers skin on Thursday. All 46 of the men on the gameday roster need to keep their heads in a tough atmosphere.

3. Kevin Smith’s resurgence

Lions running back Kevin Smith was sitting at home without an NFL job two weeks ago, but he burst back onto the scene with 201 total yards and three scores against the Carolina Panthers last week. The Packers have been susceptible against both the run and running backs catching the ball out of the backfield this season. They need to make sure Smith isn’t the guy who beats them on Thursday with his legs.  Read more... (1131 words + 1 image, estimated 4:31 mins reading time)

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It’s finally here. The game Packer fans have circled since the Green Bay Packers ‘ season began.

Detroit Lions. Ford Field. Thanksgiving.

As the Packers knocked off opponent after opponent, fans kept glancing nervously at the schedule each week. Now the game is finally here.

Will the dream run continue or does the magic end here? Let’s look at the Lions first.

Key Lions Players

QB Matthew Stafford

This season has left little doubt: when healthy Stafford is the second best quarter in the NFC North. He has put the Lions on track for their first playoff berth in what seems like forever.

Stafford distributes the ball around to his plethora of weapons. While they don’t have the Packers’ depth, it’s still a plenty potent offense with Stafford at the helm.

With his strong arm, Stafford can make all the throws. That said, he still tries to force the ball to his big receivers. The Packers will need to take advantage of that if they want to win tomorrow.

WR Calvin Johnson

Megatron has definitely earned his nickname. Whenever the ball is thrown his direction, he usually comes down with it.

Johnson’s size and overall power are a nightmare for any defender. Given the Packers’ recent struggles with communication in the secondary, Johnson could singlehandedy take over the game.

DT Ndamukong Suh  Read more... (671 words + 1 image, estimated 2:41 mins reading time)

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1) Introduction: As a fourth round draft pick in 2008, Josh Sitton actually had high prospects of starting at right guard his rookie season. Unfortunately, a preseason knee injury sidelined him, and he was replaced by Tony Moll. Sitton only ended up starting two games that season. Fast forward one year, and he swiftly becomes possibly the best player on the offensive line. Josh Sitton was the only Packers offensive lineman to open every game at just one position in 2009. He also played all 1,093 snaps on offense, the only player on either side of the ball to not miss a snap with his unit. In 2010, the NFL Alumni Association named Sitton Offensive Lineman of the Year.

2) Profile:

Josh James Sitton

Position: G
Height: 6-4    Weight: 320 lbs.

Born: June 6, 1986 in Pensacola, FL
College: Central Florida (school history)
Drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the 4th round (135th overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft.

3) Expectations coming into the season: For an offensive line that was coming off a horror of a season in 2009, Josh Sitton seemed to be the only true bright spot. In his first year as a full-time starter, he proved himself to be a reliable lineman (both “available” and “accountable,” to use Coach McCarthy speak). Sitton was a young player with a solid skill set, and it was a performance he was expected to repeat – and improve upon – in the 2010 season.  Read more... (710 words + 1 image, estimated 2:50 mins reading time)

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