The Green Bay Packers have had their struggles with the Detroit Lions over the last couple of seasons, and it is mainly due to the trenches.
But in light of a major Lions announcement, Green Bay might be able to create havoc in the backfield when the two teams square off this year.
Lions All-Pro Center Retires From Football
Earlier this week, Lions three-time All-Pro center Frank Ragnow, via social media, officially announced his retirement from the NFL after seven seasons.
Ragnow was one of the best overall linemen in the league, and the Lions will now have to look elsewhere to fill the void at the position.
Lions All Pro center Frank Ragnow announced on IG that he is retiring from the NFL. pic.twitter.com/AH9Ht7Cx6X
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 2, 2025
Now, Green Bay’s defensive line group should be licking their chops thinking about some of the chaos that they could create with Ragnow gone.
The likes of Kenny Clark, Devonte Wyatt, Karl Brooks, Colby Wooden, etc., will look to get after Lions quarterback Jared Goff and close off the running game when the teams meet in Week 1 and Week 13 this season.
The Packers Boast One of the League’s Best Defenses
Remember, even with some injuries and in-game struggles, this Packers defense was one of the top-tier groups in the league.
First-year defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley has done wonders for this group since he came over from Boston College before the 2024 season.
The Packers finished the 2024 season ranked sixth in total defense, seventh in rushing defense, sixth in scoring defense, and fourth in takeaways.
The Green Bay #Packers Defense and Jeff Hafley held the NFL's number 1 scoring offense to 17 points. Rashan Gary on these back to back plays stuffs the 2nd down run then demolishs the Lions left tackle for the 3rd down sack forcing the Lions to punt. #GoPackGo pic.twitter.com/Xj35Dj1vph
— Packerfan Total Access- Clayton (@packers_access) November 4, 2024
However, the Lions have found a way to win six of the past eight matchups in this rivalry, and the offensive line has been a big part of their strategy.
This Lions offense has scored 30+ points in two out of the last three matchups against the Packers, but they are now going to be without Ragnow and former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who is the new head coach of the Chicago Bears.
If the Packers cannot get a solid pass rush going against this team this season, it will have been a failure on their part.
To win the NFC North, the Packers have to go through the Lions, and winning the battle in the trenches is a big part of that.