Scouting Report: Green Bay Packers

The Packers are struggling.  After winning their first game, Green Bay has lost four straight for the first time since 1991.   The Packers are viewing this as a "must win" game in Detroit on Sunday.  The Pack are also coming off a short week, having lost to the Titans in Lambeau Field on Monday Night.  While the Packers have beaten the Lions 11 straight times in Lambeau, they are 3-7 in Detroit in their last 10 contests.

Brett Favre is a sure-fire Hall of Fame quarterback.  He makes his incredible 196th straight start against the Lions and holds virtually all Packers passing records but has a few more milestones within reach.  This game also marks the 197th time Favre has suited up for the Packers which will break the record he current shares with Bart Starr for most in franchise history.  In addition, Favre needs only 155 more passing yards to surpass Fran Tarkenton (47,003) on the all-time list leaving only Dan Marino (61,361), John Elway (51,475) and Warren Moon (49,325).  Favre can also move into second (Dan Marino) on the NFL's list of most consecutive games passing for a touchdown list with 31, trailing only the Baltimore Colt's Johnny Unitas who threw at least one touchdown in a remarkable 47 straight games between 1956-1960.

While Favre doesn't have the big weapon at wide receiver, the Packers have four solid receivers who each can cause problems.  Javon Walker has emerged as the most dangerous threat.  Donald Driver, Robert Ferguson and Antonio Chatman are all solid receivers.  In addition, tight end Bubba Franks is both an excellent receiver and blocker.

The Packers have become more of Ahman Green's team than Favres in the past year.  Green is a solid all-around back who has made the last three Pro Bowls.  A tough runner between the tackles, Green also has enough speed to get outside and break off big runs.  The Packers have reliable backups to Green in Najeh Davenport and Tony Fisher.  Fisher is more of a third-down back for Green Bay.

The Packers have a very good offensive line.  Tackles Chad Clifton and Mark Taucher, guards Mike Wahle and Marco Rivera have played together for four years and work together well.  Starting center Mike Flanagan is injured and has been replaced by backup Grey Ruegamer.

Defense has really plagued the Packers in 2004.  The loss of Grady Jackson (dislocated kneecap) on the defensive line has really hurt the team. Jackson's replacement, Cullen Jenkins, hasn't stepped up to fill the big shoes left by Grady.  Right end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamla is a good pass rusher that could cause the Lions some problems.  Tackle Cletidus Hunt is a strong tackle, good against both the run and the pass.  Left end Aaron Kampman is below average.

Nick Barnett, the Packers middle linebacker, is the only linebacker who will see action on every down.  The other starters, Hannibal Navies and Na'il Diggs can blitz the quarterback but are not big run stoppers and have been injured.

Cornerback Mike McKenize held out throughout training camp and hurt his hamstring early in the season.  Al Harris is a tough corner who like to get physical with receivers.  Mark Roman, a free agent from the Bengals, hasn't paid off as hoped at strong safety.  Free safety Darren Sharper is solid and has appeared in two Pro Bowls.

Written by: Paul Donaghy, Senior Writer