NFC North Weekend Recap: Lions and Bears Get Defensive

LIONS

Sep 21, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Green Bay Packers free safety Micah Hyde (33) is unable to catch Detroit Lions running back Reggie Bush (21) as he runs for a touchdown during the fourth quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

If you would have told me that the Lions would turn the ball over 3 times, Matthew Stafford would have zero touchdown passes and the Lions would still beat the Packers….I would have told you that you were crazy. In a game that was deemed as an offensive shootout, it was the opposite of that – breaking the hearts of fantasy football fans nationwide. The Lions defense came to play, holding Green Bay’s high powered offense to just 153 total yards through 3 quarters and 223 for the game. Defensive coordinator, Teryl Austin, should be commended for his game plan coming in, especially with his secondary so short-handed.

That being said, just like the Bears, Detroit took a big hit losing linebacker Stephen Tullock for the season after he injured himself celebrating by doing the Aaron Rodgers discount double-check dance. From what I hear, it’s a dangerous dance.

PACKERS

Has anyone seen Eddie Lacy and the Green Bay running game? Anyone? Through the first 2 weeks, even with no running game, the Packers were able to put up points and a lot of yards because, well, they have Aaron Rodgers. However, in Detroit on Sunday, the Packers offense was uncharacteristically bad as Aaron Rodgers was held under 10 points in game for the first time since 2010.

The Packer defense was able to create some turnovers and did a decent job containing Calvin Johnson. The injury bug, however, hit the Packer defense as well losing Clay Matthews with a groin injury and Davon House to a knee injury. It appears that the team with the most depth on defense will win the NFC North.