competition for the NFC North title between Matt LaFleur and the Green Bay Packers?
The Green Bay Packers are preparing for a crucial divisional matchup as they host the Detroit Lions on Sunday. The Packers, who have struggled in the NFC North in recent years, are eager to reverse a trend of losses against their rivals from Michigan.
Defensive end Rashan Gary expressed his excitement about the upcoming game, stating it would be "fun" and a chance to "make an early-season statement". Right tackle Zach Tom agreed, saying it's "huge" to open the season against a divisional opponent like the Lions and that the Packers need to "make a statement" to be who they want to be.
Matt LaFleur, head coach of the Packers, aims to achieve his first victory against Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell. Their previous encounters have not been favourable for Green Bay, with the Lions boasting a 6-1 record in the last 7 meetings.
The Lions have been the new bully of the NFC North, winning 3 consecutive games at Lambeau Field. This recent dominance has been a stark contrast to the 16-year window during which the Packers held the upper hand, going 24-8 against the Lions from 2005-2021.
However, LaFleur's teams have shown a strong record in divisional games, winning 83.3% of their games from 2019-2021. Yet, in the last three years, they have only managed to win 44.4% of their games in the NFC North.
This is a significant concern for the Packers, who ended the 2021 season with a 1-5 mark in the NFC North - their worst since 2005. Matt LaFleur, who took over as Green Bay's coach in 2019, began his Packer career going 8-0 against the NFC North and was 15-3 in his first three seasons.
The Packers' recent loss to the Chicago Bears in Week 18 last season ended their 11-game winning streak against the Bears. Packers right guard Sean Rhyan expressed disappointment after the loss, calling it "sick" and a "kick in the gut".
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings have also given the Packers a tough time in the last 3 seasons, boasting a record of 4-2 against Green Bay. The Lions will present another formidable challenge as they aim to continue their dominance over the Packers.
In contrast, Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell stands at 6-foot-5 and weighs 265 pounds, towering over LaFleur, who is approximately 6 inches shorter and 100 pounds lighter.
Mike McCarthy, who led the Packers to six NFC North championships during his 12 3⁄4 seasons as Green Bay's head coach, began slipping in the division towards the end of his tenure and was eventually fired. McCarthy posted an overall record of 53-23-2 against the NFC North (including playoffs), but went just 3-6-1 in the division in 2017-'18.
Mike Sherman led the Packers to three straight NFC North titles and went 14-4 in the division from 2002-2004, but was fired after going 1-5 against divisional foes in 2005.
As the Packers and Lions prepare to face off, the stakes are high. A victory for Green Bay could mark a turning point in their fortunes against the Lions, while a loss could further solidify Detroit's dominance in the NFC North.
