Detroit Lions Keys to the Game: Week 1

The Detroit Lions will make their season debut on the road against divisional rival Green Bay Packers. Detroit completed the sweep last season, and would undoubtedly hope to continue that trend in Week 1. On August 28th Green Bay made a major improvement to their pass rush, with the acquiring of former Dallas Cowboy Micah Parsons. Next we will look into the keys to Detroit starting off the season with a victory.

Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers Week 1 🍿 pic.twitter.com/RV0pWnpJka

— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) August 28, 2025

Limit the Pass Rush

As previously stated, the Packers have acquired Micah Parsons in exchange for Defensive Tackle Kenneth Clark, and 2 future 1st round picks. Strengthening an already serviceable pass rush. Parson is a top 5 edge rusher in the NFL that brings with him a top 5 pass rush grade, and game-changing impact. He will hope to hurry Jared Goff throughout the game and force him into turnovers to swing the momentum. Edgerrin Cooper is another notable player to keep an eye on. The second year linebacker is complete all-around game and will anchor the second line of defense for Green Bay.

Detroit will look to establish the run to keep them honest.  This will force the rushers to have to hold contain, disabling their ability to pin their ears back and aggressively pursue the QB. Where the Packers have gained in the way of pass rushing on the edge, they will lose in push up the middle. This is due to the departure of Kenneth Clark, whom has held down the interior since being drafted in 2019.

Make Green Bay 1 Dimensional

Shutdown the running game and force Jordan Love to make the right play. Jordan Love has above average athleticism and a rocket arm. His tendency to gamble at times leading to ill-advised throws and limits his consistency from game to game. The Packers will be heading into the game with a banged up receiving core, and will be leaning heavily on their rookie receiver Matthew Golden in the passing game. Shutting down the Josh Jacobs, who is coming off a career year, will go a long way in making things difficult for the gunslinging QB.

Expose Poor Corner Play

Defending the pass was by far Green Bay’s weakest aspect last season. In the offseason their Cornerback got even weaker, as they parted ways with All-Pro Jaire Alexander. With no major signings on that front their Corner play remains a major concern going into the game. The explosive Lion offense should be looking to exploit that weakness and capalize with big plays down the field. Detroit will be returning the majority of their arsenal minus Tim Patrick who they traded away after training camp. Instead they will be showcasing their brand new Ferrari or “Tesla” if you will. The Packers did shore up their safety spot, signing Xavier Mckinney. Detroit will have to be weary of venturing down the field within the hashes as he will be lurking.