We are just a few days away from the Detroit Lions kicking off the 2025 season against the Green Bay Packers. Going to Lambeau Field used to be a dreadful occurrence every year for the Lions but that’s changed over the last 10 years.
In the last 20 matchups between the Packers and Lions, we’ve seen the Lions compile an 11-9 record and they’ve won their last 3 games at Lambeau Field. However, as we know, things have changed since last season. Certainly both teams made a ton of changes with their roster and even their coordinators. Let’s dive into some of those changes and focus on the key players and matchup to watch between the Lions and Packers!
Aidan Hutchinson returns
This one is obvious. Since Hutchinson broke his leg last year against the Dallas Cowboys, we’ve all patiently waited for his return. He was on track to become the Defensive Player of the Year last season and as we all know, what would the 2024 season look like for the Lions if he were healthy? Obviously, we’ll be left speculating that forever but now Hutchinson is back and ready to go.
According to the Lions coaching staff and even the media, this summer is the best that Hutch has ever looked for the Lions. Looking like a man on a mission, it’s well known that Hutch is ready to go and is very eager to get back onto the field. In his 4 career games against the Packers, he’s recorded 3.5 sacks, four tackles for loss and an interception. We’ll see if he picks up where he left off.
Terrion Arnold vs Matthew Golden
The battle between former first round picks should be a good one, if we get it. For the Packers, they selected WR Matthew Golden out of Texas in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Golden ran the 40-yard dash in 4.29 seconds and finished last season with 58 receptions for 987 yards and 9 touchdowns.
On the Packers unofficial depth chart, it appears that Golden is the number one starter for Green Bay. It’s worth noting that Jayden Reed (foot) and Dontayvion Wicks (calf) are listed on the Packers injury report for this week. Both players are questionable to play so if they don’t play, we could see a heavy dosage of Golden for Green Bay.
Expected to align across from Golden is Terrion Arnold. When watching Arnold from last season, it was evident that there was a bit of a learning curve. He struggled at times early in the season but he was arguably the Lions most improved player by the end of the season. There’s still some little things that need improving such as getting his head around faster or maybe not grab as much cloth at times but Arnold is a physical corner that is solid in man coverage.
Last season, Arnold led the NFL in man coverage snaps and only allowed a 55.6% completion percentage when targeted. Against the Packers in both games last season, he allowed 6 receptions for 52 yards on 7 targets. This Sunday, the matchup between Arnold and Golden will be one to watch.
Jared Goff and his weapons
I’m going to throw in the addition of John Morton as the offensive coordinator in here as well, so let’s start with how Jared Goff will look under Morton. As we know, Goff played exceptionally well under Ben Johnson, but new terminology and potentially new philosophies could alter the way Goff plays. Fortunately, there’s a lot of talent within the Lions offense.
We’ve seen consistent success from Amon-Ra St. Brown and there’s a ton of explosiveness with Jameson Williams and Jahmyr Gibbs. I’ve often said that David Montgomery is the tone setter for not just the Lions offense but the entire team. The cherry on top for the offense is Sam LaPorta and his ability to make catches all over the field. There have been early signs that Isaac TeSlaa may end up being a complete dude for the Lions.
It’s hard to envision that Morton fumbles away the chance to be a successful play caller with the amount of talent he has on offense. The same can be said of Goff. He should be able to sustain his rhythm with these pass catchers, and due to the run game being just as effective as it’s been under Dan Campbell. Let’s not forget that it’s still his team and he’s still got a big hand in the pot of the offense.
Micah Parsons and the Packers pass rush vs Penei Sewell and the Lions revamped offensive line
Lastly, let’s focus on Micah Parsons and what his addition brings the Packers. Obviously, the pass rush ability is some of the most dangerous in the NFL. If not the most dangerous. In two games against Penei Sewell, we’ve seen Parsons generate 6 pressures on 30 pass-rush snaps. That’s the most of any player that has rushed against Sewell.
If the Packers decide to go that route with Parsons aligned across from Sewell, then that means we’ll see Rashan Gary against Taylor Decker. However, we’ve primarily seen Gary aligned over right tackles during his career. Maybe we’ll see more versatile alignments for both edge rushers. With Jeff Hafley as the Packers defensive coordinator, I wouldn’t be surprised if Parsons and Gary align next to each on certain passing downs.
Aside from speculating on which Lions offensive tackle has to block the Packers pass rushers, all eyes will be watching the health of Parsons. We’ve seen reports that he’s dealing with fractures in his back and needs epidural injections to help with the pain. There’s been some speculation that he’ll be on a snap count but we’ll have to wait and see how it looks on Sunday.
The Lions will trot out to the field with a revamped offensive line after the departure of RG Kevin Zeitler and retirement of C Frank Ragnow. Replacing both players will be Graham Glasgow moving to center and 2nd round pick Tate Ratledge at right guard. Becoming the left guard is Christian Mahogany. We saw plenty of promise from Mahogany but he played limited snaps. The hope is that the group stays consistent and helps the offense sustain a consistent run game. We’ll find out what it all starts to look like as the Lions get ready to play the Packers on Sunday at 4:25pm on CBS.
