How Serious a Threat are Packers to Lions?

The next matchup between the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers will look much different than what fans have grown accustomed to. 

Since 2008, the Packers had been led by quarterback Aaron Rodgers. He tormented the NFC North throughout his tenure, leading the team to eight division titles. 

The Lions finally seemed to change their fortunes in 2022. They swept Green Bay, including a season-ending victory that kept the Packers out of the postseason. 

This 20-16 win wound up being Rodgers' final game with the organization.

He requested a trade during the offseason that was ultimately granted. The veteran will don a new shade of green in 2023 with the New York Jets, meaning 24-year-old Jordan Love is now Green Bay's signal-caller moving forward. 

It's a new-look Packers team in 2023. Love's first go-around as the starter will be intriguing, as his efforts may make or break his team's hopes at returning to the postseason. 

Here's a look at where the Packers stand heading into the 2023 season. 

What to know

2022 record: 8-9

Record vs. DET: 0-2, 15-9 L (11.6.22), 20-16 L (1.8.23)

Both the Lions and the Packers were sputtering heading into their first matchup. Rodgers threw three interceptions in that meeting, including two in the red zone, and Detroit made just enough plays to hold them off at home. 

The season finale came with much bigger stakes. The Lions were eliminated from the playoffs after Seattle knocked off Los Angeles. Yet, they were determined to keep Green Bay out of the playoffs. 

After Jamaal Williams scored the go-ahead touchdown, Kerby Joseph notched his third pick of the season off Rodgers. 

This would be the future Hall of Famer's final pass with the Packers, as Detroit converted a crucial fourth down to seal the victory.

Head coach: Matt LaFleur (Fifth season: 47-19)

2022 season stats: 21.8 PPG (14th), 337.9 YPG (17th), 21.8 PAPG (17th), 336.5 YAPG (16th).

Key additions

• FS Tarvarius Moore

The Packers elected not to attack the free-agent market in 2023, rather spending their assets in bringing back their own talent. 

Moore will be an important addition in the secondary. Adrian Amos remains available on the market, and could return to the team, too. 

Among the team's re-signings was special teamer Keisean Nixon. Last season, he was one of the best return men in the league, and earned All-Pro honors for his performance. 

 Key losses

• QB Aaron Rodgers (New York Jets)
• WR Allen Lazard (New York Jets)
• WR Randall Cobb (New York Jets)
• TE Robert Tonyan (Chicago Bears)
• DL Dean Lowry (Minnesota Vikings)
• DL Jarran Reed (Seattle Seahawks)

In addition to losing Rodgers to New York, two of his favorite targets followed him to the "Big Apple." 

This attrition depleted the Packers' receiving corps. They used the draft to replenish the unit, but the youth creates an intriguing dynamic with an inexperienced signal-caller. 

Reed and Lowry are tough losses for the defensive line. Linebacker Khrys Barnes also departed in the offseason, signing with Arizona. 

Draft picks

• EDGE Lukas Van Ness (1-13)
• TE Luke Musgrave (2-42)
• WR Jayden Reed (2-50)
• TE Tucker Kraft (3-78)
• DL Colby Wooden (4-116)
• QB Sean Clifford (5-149)
• WR Dontayvion Wicks (5-159)
• DL Karl Brooks (6-179)
• K Anders Carlson (6-207)
• CB Carrington Valentine (7-232)
• RB Lew Nichols (7-235)
• S Anthony Johnson Jr. (7-242)
• WR Grant Dubose (7-256)

After drafting two receivers in last year's draft, the Packers added three more. Reed was a high-riser during the pre-draft circuit, due to his ability to win in contested situations despite his small frame. 

Time will tell as far as what impact the wideouts, along with the team's two tight end picks, will have on the offense. However, it's clear that Green Bay wanted to upgrade its crop of pass-catchers. 

Van Ness will make an immediate impact off the edge, while sixth-rounder Karl Brooks has plenty of upside. 

Clifford is an interesting backup option. Love is in a contract year after all, and the experienced Penn State product may not need much seasoning to contribute in the event that Love struggles.