Lance Allan: Sports Glance with Lance

PACKERS-LIONS PREDICTION

I'M IN THE D

By Lance Allan Archived Content

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Please pray for me...I'm headed for the D...land of Kid Rock, Eminem, and bad football. 

Now I wouldn't take my predictions to the bank, but last week I said 24-20 Packers...with 2 offensive TD's and a defensive TD.  Yes, I was one point off at 24-19...sorry about that.  And iIt was 2 on offense, one on special teams...which LeRoy Butler pointed out to me this week is a defensive TD.  A good, solid debut.

Which leads to this week.  When the Packers have the ball:  Watch for Ryan Grant to get more than the 12 carries he had last week.  If MIchael Turner and the Falcons proved anything, the center of the Lions D-line plus the linebackers are kitty cat soft.  And with James Jones back, it should open things up for Donald Driver and Greg Jennings...don't underestimate Jennings going back to his home state to play in front of family and friends.

When the Lions have the ball:  They run the zone blocking scheme as well.  The tackles are a mess, so the Packers should be able to pressure and hit QB Jon Kitna.  The defense needs to be wary of Kevin Smith and Rudi Johnson, but the big concern is 6'3" Roy Williams and 6'5" Calvin Johnson going up against the Packers secondary.  Charles Woodson didn't practice all week with a broken toe and might not play.  Al Harris may have lost half a step and should have had 2 pass interferences penalties on him last week...on turf that might be an even bigger problem.  And Aaron Rouse sprained his ankle and likely won't play.  Bottom line, if Kitna doesn't get pressured...he could pick apart the Pack.  So the pressure is on Aaron Kampman, KGB and Michigan native Cullen Jenkins among others to deliver the pressure.

Prediction:  I think the Packers weakened secondary makes it more of a shootout.  I say 30-27 Packers, a solid 2-0 and more importantly...2-0 in the NFC North.

Your thoughts always welcome at lallan@todaystmj4.com