The Detroit Lions got their 2025 season off to a bad start in Week 1 when they were humbled by the Green Bay Packers. From start to finish, everything felt off in the frustrating loss.
Arguably the biggest problem was the offensive line. The group didn't help Detroit get the run game going with just 46 yards on the ground. Additionally, protection of Jared Goff was suspect, and the offense was blanked most of the day.
Since, the Lions have recovered, but things have certainly not been perfect. Dan Campbell has taken over play calling duties and the offense remains inconsistent at times. That sets up a potential disaster situation for Thanksgiving Day.
Guard Tate Ratledge knows the Lions have to have a better performance to win this time, and understands that the challenge Green Bay provides will be massive. In spite of that, he also knows there are things the Lions can improve on their end to make life easier.
"That's a good front. I mean, it's a good defense in general. They did a good job of nullifying our run game and making us throw it. But other than that, we got to communicate better this time around and take over the game."
Not only do the Lions have to run the ball more effectively, but the protection of Goff will be imperative as well. In Week 11, the Lions allowed three sacks of Goff, and Ratledge understands a clean pocket is key to an offensive explosion as well.
"You got to keep Jared (Goff) clean. I mean, that's where it starts every game. You got to keep him clean. If you keep him clean, he's going to do good things."
The Lions have explosive pieces on offense, but none of that will matter if the protection suffers. Though he is a rookie, Ratledge shows wisdom in recognizing the game starts and ends with improved communication and play from the offensive line.
Dan Campbell relishes opportunity to play Packers again after Week 1
Offensively, the Lions will have a game plan ready, and Campbell will be tasked with helping the players to execute it when the time comes on Thursday. Until then, the head coach himself is thinking about how to right the ship after the ugly first week performance.
Fortunately, as Campbell knows, this game is an opportunity to clean the slate against a quality opponent and make the frustration of the past feel like a distant memory.
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"Nobody likes losing. We don't like losing to anybody, but you open the year and we go out to their place and they gave it to us pretty good. Division opponent, you don't want to start that way. I think any chance you get another opportunity, it's one of the the blessings of of playing somebody in your division twice, right? You get another opportunity. We've got another opportunity in front of us at our place on a short week and we're looking forward to it."
As Ratledge said, Detroit's line has to be better at communication this time around and elevate their game. It might only take them remembering the frustration of the season opener in order to get over that hump and play much better.
Scoring a win this week to get to 8-4 will help the Lions take the next step in the NFC North race and perhaps give them an inside track to a playoff birth. It will represent quite the turnaround from Week 1.