Lions and Packers and Bears oh my

The Lion vs. Packers match-up did not provide any spectacular insights into either team, they both performed to expectations. That said the Packers out passed, out rushed, and out hit the Lions thoroughly last Sunday. Aaron Rogers completed over 80% of his passes, but fans should still be cautious as this team is built to blow out bad teams and have not been able to produce anything but large numbers of sacks for their opponents, against quality teams. They did their job however and are back in the thick of things as far as the playoffs go.....especially with Cleveland and their one win lurking.

For the Lions to win games this season their defense is going to have to hold teams to under 20 points. They have gone through two quarterbacks (and are now onto Drew Stanton)and Kevin Smith and Calvin Johnson have been hurting for last few weeks. With their two best threats ailing or sidelined and the general atrocity that is their offensive line don't expect them to outscore many opponents this season. This loss does set up a clash with the 0-6 (likely to be 0-7 by week 8) Rams after their bye week. I have a feeling FOX will be going elsewhere for their ratings.

Finally we come to the Bears who ended their three game honeymoon with Jay Cutler with a 7 point loss to the Falcons. It is hard to stomach a loss where you moved the ball rather effectively out rushing and out passing your opponent, but any time you turn the ball over 3 times and go 1 for 4 in red zone (Cutler's red zone qb rating was a paltry 37) appearances you can not expect anything but a loss.

The good news for the Bears is you leave the game feeling you could beat that team if lined up against them in the playoffs, not just win but almost, be careful here, expect to win. I would be confident if I drew the Falcons for a round one playoff game, not likely with the surging Saints, but the problem is you have to get there first.

Also, the whole storyline of two of the next young gun talents facing off, really failed to develop. Both looked flashy and inconsistent with neither really developing a good rhythm during the game. Good things can be said for the defenses, but let's not knight these two as the next Brady and Manning....at least not yet.