The Green Bay Packers scored a convincing 27-13 win over the Detroit Lions in Week 1 in a game that wasn’t as close as the final score. This was an early statement game for the Packers as they defeated the defending NFC North champions who swept them last season. There was one particular aspect of the win that could be a big factor for the Packers going forward. This was the important difference the Packers showed against Detroit that bodes well for the upcoming season.
The Difference the Packers Showed Against Detroit: The Label
For the longest time, the Packers have been considered more of a “finesse” team. The label hasn’t always been fair, but that is the reputation the Packers had. Quality opponents like the Lions last season expected to be able to come in and dominate the line of scrimmage against the Packers.
The worst example of this may have been the 2019 NFC Championship Game. The San Francisco 49ers gained 285 rushing yards against the Packers and Green Bay was never really in the game.
The Packers run defense improved last season under Jeff Hafley, but the team was still not as physical as the Lions or the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. Both teams beat the Packers twice last season in large part by dominating the line of scrimmage. The Packers knew this needed to change if the team was to be more successful in 2025.
The Offseason
GM Brian Gutekunst made changes over the offseason to try to make the team more physical in the trenches. The Packers opted not to re-sign Josh Myers in free agency and moved Elgton Jenkins from left guard to center. Then, the Packers shelled out a lot of money to add left guard Aaron Banks in free agency. Banks has a reputation as being a strong, mauler of a run blocker.
During the draft, the Packers selected offensive tackle Anthony Belton in the second round who has a similar reputation as a big, strong, blocker. Belton won’t start this season barring injury, but his addition shows how Gutekunst wants the offensive line to look in the future.
After training camp, the Packers traded for Darian Kinnard who added more depth and physicality to the offensive line.
On defense, Gutekunst looked for upgrades over the offseason. He was not able to work out a trade with the Bengals for Trey Hendrickson but did acquire Micah Parsons from the Cowboys a week before the season started. This improved the pass rush dramatically as Parsons is considered one of the game’s best at pressuring the quarterback. With Parsons, Rashan Gary, and Lukas Van Ness on the field at the same time, the Green Bay pass rush can be formidable.
After trading Kenny Clark in the Parsons trade and opting not to re-sign free agent T.J. Slaton, there was a concern the run defense may struggle to stop the run, especially in the middle of the field. But the Packers were willing to pay the price to drastically improve the pass rush.
The Difference the Packers Showed Against Detroit: Early Returns
In Week 1 against the Lions, the Packers reversed the matchup in the trenches against Detroit. The offensive line did a great job of protecting Jordan Love. The Packers starter was not sacked, and Detroit managed only two quarterback hits throughout the game.
The Packers defense pressured Jared Goff consistently, sacking him four times and recording nine quarterback hits. Goff was unable to effectively throw the ball downfield and averaged just 5.8 yards per attempt. Why? He didn’t have enough time to throw deep.
The Packers run defense also did a strong job with Colby Wooden having a career day as he stepped up to start on the defensive line. Detroit averaged a little more than two yards per carry.
The Packers run blocking wasn’t great against the Lions, but Josh Jacobs still managed to gain yards after contact and had a solid second half.
Yes, it’s only one game, but the Packers went up against one of the best teams in the league a year ago and played a more physical game than the Lions on both sides of the ball. The Packers showed they could go head-to-head with an elite opponent and be the more physical team. If they can continue to play this way for the rest of the season, positive results should follow. So far, this has been a change for the better.
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