The Detroit Lions have plenty of their own offseason drama to sort through, but one of the more encouraging developments for Dan Campbell’s team came from outside the building.
While the Lions are working to bring a batch of new draft picks up to speed, adjusting to Drew Petzing as their new offensive coordinator, and dealing with the uncertainty surrounding Terrion Arnold after his June 24 arrest and multiple felony charges, a division rival is drawing some harsh offseason feedback of its own.
That rival, of course, is Green Bay.
For years, the Packers have been the Lions’ biggest enemy in the NFC North. The Chicago Bears rivalry has picked up with Ben Johnson now in Chicago, but the Green Bay matchup still sits at the center of it all.
On Monday, The Athletic’s Mike Jones labeled the Packers one of the least-improved teams of the offseason, a verdict that has to sound pretty sweet in Detroit.
“For a team coming off back-to-back wild-card-round exits and that hasn't reached the conference championship game since the 2020 season, the Packers had a rather blah offseason,” Jones wrote. “They lost top wide receiver Romeo Doubs, left tackle Rasheed Walker and linebacker Quay Walker, and they also saw cornerback Nate Hobbs and versatile offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins depart.”
Jones also pointed to another issue hanging over the team.
“On top of that, they’re dealing with the uncertainty swirling around Josh Jacobs’ domestic violence charges.”
Put it together, and Jones clearly sees a rough road ahead for Green Bay. For the Lions, that kind of projection can only help.
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Stallings arrived in the organization through a 2024 trade with the Baltimore Orioles, and his media session reflected just how long he has worked for this moment. He spoke about the path through the minors and the weight of finally getting the call, with more than enough mileage logged along the way to make this promotion feel earned even before he throws a pitch for Milwaukee. [Read more 🡒]
Pat Murphy's Cooper Pratt Decision Will Have Brewers Fans Talking
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Pat Murphys decision to sit Pratt for Game 2 against the Reds only added to the conversation, especially with the club still trying to chart his long-term path. The numbers have been uneven since the call-up, but the Brewers have seen this before with young players who needed a slower climb, and the comparison to Brice Turangs early growing pains is one reason Pratts development remains such a watchable subplot. [Read more 🡒]
Brewers Could Finally Face A First Round Draft Dilemma
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Several college arms are expected to be within reach, and that is where the debate starts to get real. Tennessee right-hander Tegan Kuhns, Arizona State left-hander Cole Carlon and Mississippi right-hander Cade Townsend all fit the kind of upside that can pull a club off its usual path, which leaves Milwaukee weighing whether to stay with its recent draft tendencies or finally take a pitcher in the first round again. [Read more 🡒]