Lions @ Packers Preview - Packers look to finish Lions "defeated" season

A lot has gone wrong for the Packers this year. On Sunday, they are hoping something can go right agains winless Detroit.

The Lions dropped their final home game of the year against the Saints last week, giving them their 15th loss of the year. It was the first time a team surpassed 14 losses before notching a win. The 1976 Tampa Bay Buccaneers completed the NFL's only winless season, dropping 14 games as an expansion franchise without getting a win.

Last year, the Miami Dolphins flirted with history, losing their first 13 games before finally getting a win in overtime against Baltimore in week 15. They lost their last two games to finish 1-15.

The Packers are hoping they can prevent the Lions from finishing with that record and stop a five game losing streak at the same time. It has been over a month since the Packers had that winning feeling, losing two games at home along the way. The Packers are looking to even up their home record as well; it currently stands at 3-4. Packers head coach Mike McCarthy intends to treat the Lions like he would any other opponent.

“I'm sure there will be a lot of outside media attention around the situation, but we're not going to spend any time on that. We have no control of that. We have no input on that. We have no opinion on it,” McCarthy said on Tuesday. “Every team brings a different set of challenges to you, and we expect no different from the Detroit Lions.”

McCarthy will be shaking up the lineup this weekend, and that may include an increased role for running back DeShawn Wynn. With Brandon Jackson doubtful for this Sunday’s game, Wynn is expected to serve as the primary backup for starter Ryan Grant. McCarthy hinted on Friday that Wynn should see an increased workload.

“I think DeShawn Wynn is clearly an ascending player in our program. He had the one opportunity in Chicago, and I think he showed what he's capable of doing,” McCarthy said in reference to Wynn’s lone carry of the year on Monday night in Chicago. “I've stood here before and said I'd play him in any situation. We put him in the fourth-and-one. That should tell you what we think about him.”

McCarthy also disclosed earlier in the week that he intends to move his offensive lineman around for the season finale. Tony Moll, who had three penalties called against him in Monday Night’s loss to the Bears, will be removed from the starting lineup and serve as a backup to most any position but center. Daryn Colledge will play right tackle, while Josh Sitton and Jason Spitz with play right guard and left guard respectively. Chad Clifton will stay at left tackle, and Scott Wells, at center.

“If you go back to the preseason, Josh Sitton was the starting guard when we started the season,” McCarthy said in explaining the switch. “That possibility has always been there since he has been healthy.” McCarthy also said the move had nothing to do with the possibility of replacing an aging Mark Tauscher (right tackle) next year.

Considering how desperate the Lions are for a win, this game could prove to be one of the more challenging games of the season in terms of discipline. It would not be surprising to see Detroit use every play in its playbook in an attempt to beat the Packers on Sunday. The defense backfield especially will have to be vigilant of flea flickers, end-arounds and any other sort of gadget play. If the Packers can be patient and allow their talent to overcome the Lions lack thereof, there is no reason Green Bay should lose this game on Sunday.