The Detroit Lions currently sit atop the NFC at 6-1 as the team prepares for an NFC North showdown against the Green Bay Packers in Week 9. Sunday’s game between the Lions and Packers will have a massive impact on the divisional race in 2024.
Despite the Packers trailing Detroit in the race for the NFC North by just half a game in the standings, Lions quarterback Jared Goff isn’t lacking any confidence ahead of Sunday’s crucial matchup.
Jared Goff, Lions Confident Ahead of NFC North Matchup at Packers
The Lions have owned the Packers in recent years. Over the last five matchups between the two rivals, Detroit is 4-1. However, Green Bay did manage to win the most recent matchup in Week 12 last season.
Unfortunately for the Packers, Detroit is on an absolute roll heading into Sunday’s matchup in Week 9. While the Lions will have to travel on the road to Lambeau Field, Goff expressed excitement when asked about the difficulty of playing in Green Bay, Wis.
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“It’s a fun environment, it’s loud, it’s going to be loud for us,” Goff said during his press conference on Thursday.
“We’re the defending champs going back in there. Yeah, it’ll be good. It’s fun, it’s grass, it’s outside, it’s whatever the weather may be. It’ll be good.”
Goff didn’t waste any time reminding the Packers and Green Bay fans that Detroit won the NFC North last season. Now the Lions will have a chance to prove themselves against Green Bay’s new-look defense in Week 9.
However, legendary former head coach Bill Belichick told Goff on a recent episode of the “Let’s Go!” podcast that it’s impossible for any defense to stop the Lions.
Belichick to Goff: "It's impossible, I think, for a defense to really stop the [@Lions] offense." #OnePride 🔥🔥 @JaredGoff16 joins Bill and @JimGrayOfficial on this week's all-new "Let's Go!"
DOWNLOAD & SUBSCRIBE 🔗 https://t.co/xZf5J1T80V pic.twitter.com/pETbGIle9M
— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) October 29, 2024
Dan Campbell Discusses Challenges of Playing Against Packers
Lions head coach Dan Campbell was asked about Detroit’s upcoming NFC North matchup with the Packers during his press conference on Thursday. Campbell discussed Green Bay’s new-look defense, the Packers’ quarterback situation, and much more.
Given the unclear status of Packers starting quarterback Jordan Love, Campbell was asked about the differences between Love and Malik Willis. Campbell is familiar with Willis after coaching him at the Senior Bowl in 2022.
“They’re both very good athletes,” Campbell said. “They both can run, they both can create issues in the pocket.”
“Certainly, Love as a passer is — he does a great job of eyes downfield, giving his receivers a chance to make a play on the ball. He’s just really grown and elevated since last year.”
Campbell showered Love with praise on Thursday, highlighting everything that Green Bay’s young quarterback does well, including all of the intangibles involved with playing the position.
“He’s just really grown and elevated since last year,” Campbell said. “I know there’s been a few picks in there, but he’s — there’s these other parts of his game playing the quarterback position that have really elevated. So, he’s a top-notch dude.”
The Lions are off to a scorching hot start on offense in 2024, as Detroit leads the NFL with 33.4 points per game. Despite Detroit’s impressive start, Campbell understands the challenges that Green Bay’s new-look defense will present in Week 9.
“They’re really good, they’re disruptive,” Campbell said when asked how the Packers are attacking opposing offenses.
“They’ve changed their style from what they were last year and it’s more attack style. These guys are up the field and they cause a lot of disruption.”
While Goff was quick to remind everyone that the Lions are the reigning NFC North champions, Campbell understands the challenges that the Packers will present in Week 9. Sunday’s NFC North showdown between the Lions and Packers will surely be must-see television.