Although they weren't the most dominant team in Week 1, the Packers could argue that they posted the most impressive Week 1 victory. Only three road teams won, and the Packers were the only one to beat a playoff team (Philadelphia). The other home teams to lose were St. Louis and Buffalo, a combined 7-25 last year. The Packers won without Aaron Rodgers at the top of his game (a passer rating of 73.1). In his previous 17 wins, Rodgers was at 87.8 or better.
Mark Craig's Northern Intelligence
September 19, 2010 at 4:08AM
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The Lions' much improved defensive line will be without starting end Cliff Avril (knee/finger) against the Eagles at home on Sunday. Turk McBride, who started four games as a fill-in a year ago, will start. He played about 30 snaps in last week's loss at Chicago. The Lions also could get MLB DeAndre Levy (groin) back for his first game. He's questionable. If he doesn't play Sunday, expect him to return for the Vikings game next week.
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Jay Cutler's stats look good, but 372 yards passing and a 108.3 rating don't tell the full story about Chicago's passing attack in a 19-14 win over the Lions. Cutler was sacked four times and knocked down seven times. And now he faces Dallas on the road. The Cowboys have the best outside linebacker tandem in DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer. They combined for 17 sacks a year ago.
