3 Ways The Packers Are Better for Second Faceoff with Lions

The Green Bay Packers faced the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field a month ago, falling 24-14 in a loss that set them back two games in the race for the NFC North crown. However, much has changed for the Packers over the past four weeks. As they prepare for a pivotal Week 14 rematch in Detroit on Thursday night, here are three key areas where the Packers have shown significant improvement:

Health
In the first matchup, the Packers were hampered by key injuries. Quarterback Jordan Love was dealing with a lingering groin issue, while center Josh Myers, cornerback Jaire Alexander, and safety Evan Williams were sidelined.
Since then, Myers and Williams have returned to action and are contributing valuable snaps. Alexander has shown steady progress in practice and is expected to rejoin the lineup. Love’s mobility has also improved noticeably, with no apparent signs of groin or knee issues impacting his play.

OffenseThe Packers' offense has significantly reduced errors, with fewer dropped passes and mental penalties in recent games. Perhaps most encouraging is the turnaround in red-zone efficiency. After converting just 1 of 4 red-zone opportunities into touchdowns in the first Detroit matchup, the Packers have since converted 11 of their last 15 red-zone trips into scores.

DefenseDefensively, the Packers have made substantial strides since their first meeting with the Lions. Despite the initial loss, the defense allowed just 17 points to one of the league’s most potent offenses. More recently, the run defense has been dominant, holding Christian McCaffrey to just 31 yards on 11 carries and limiting Miami’s rushing duo of De’Von Achane and Raheem Mostert to 33 yards on 12 attempts.
The pass rush is also on the rise, with the unit registering seven sacks over the last two games. While the defense has had its missteps—most notably against Chicago—it has shown consistent improvement, positioning the team for success in the weeks ahead.