After Lions got beat in the trenches on both sides, 'nowhere to go but up'

Lions' trench failures and missed assignments fueled a 27-13 loss to the Packers. Bettors should lean toward Green Bay moneyline and consider the under or backing Detroit to struggle against the spread until its offensive line and pass rush stabilize.

Lions’ Trenches Unravel in 27-13 Defeat to Packers

Detroit’s season opener exposed glaring issues up front as missed assignments and mental errors allowed Green Bay to control the game from start to finish. The Lions managed only a 6.2% explosive-play rate and struggled to generate pressure, forcing a one-dimensional attack that chewed clock but produced few points.

Offensive Line Breakdown

Tate Ratledge and other new-look linemen struggled to handle interior pressure, creating constant disruption for Jared Goff. With veterans Frank Ragnow and Kevin Zeitler gone, Detroit failed to protect its quarterback or open running lanes. Key examples included Ratledge being driven back into the pocket on a crucial second-quarter sequence that erased a potential explosive play to Jameson Williams.

Red Zone Woes and Run Game Failure

The Lions went 1-of-4 in the red zone and averaged just 2.1 yards per carry (46 yards on 22 rushes), with a rushing success rate of 22.7%. A disastrous fourth-quarter series—featuring a sack by Rashan Gary and missed blocks—led to a punt from the end zone and a Packers touchdown that put the game out of reach.

Pass Rush: Hutchinson Held, Support Missing

Aidan Hutchinson returned from injury but faced heavy attention, registering only two pressures after averaging nine per game last season. Marcus Davenport was virtually absent, recording one pressure on 13 pass-rush snaps. Overall, Detroit produced just six pressures and relied heavily on blitzing—47.8% blitz rate—but still posted only a 26.1% pressure rate. When rushing four, the pressure rate fell to 16.1%.

Near-Game-Changing Moments

Detroit nearly forced turnovers on back-to-back plays in the third quarter, including a near interception and a would-be takeaway that was nullified by a defensive holding penalty. Those missed opportunities underscored the Lions’ inability to seize momentum despite some promising pressure packages.

Coaching, Adjustments and Depth Concerns

Coaching acknowledged young players struggling with assignments, and the team will need live reps for rookie guards to develop. Interior pass-rush depth remains thin without players like Alim McNeill and Levi Onwuzurike, leaving Detroit dependent on edge threats and linebacker blitzes. Expected reinforcements—Mekhi Wingo, Tyrus Wheat, and Josh Paschal—could help, but timing and health remain variables.

What This Means Moving Forward

Week 1 growing pains are costly in a division opener. The Lions must improve communication, protect Goff better, and find consistent pass-rush contributors beyond Hutchinson. If those issues persist, Detroit risks more slow-paced games, low explosive-play outputs, and struggles against teams that emphasize zone coverage and protection schemes.

Betting Implications

Given the offensive line instability and limited pass-rush support, bettors should be cautious backing Detroit against strong defensive fronts. Short-term value lies with Green Bay moneyline or backing the under in matchups where Detroit is expected to control tempo but not score efficiently. Monitor injury and depth updates at offensive line and interior pass rush before wagering on future Lions spreads.

Detroit's young guards struggled in their first game and the Lions were unable to pressure Jordan Love enough in the Week 1 loss.

Theathleticuk