Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

The Green Bay Packers got back aboard the win train this past week with a home win against their divisional foe Detroit Lions. It was a game the Packers needed dearly coming off their bye week and sitting in third place in the NFC North with a 1-2 record.

Lambeau Field sold out once again and the crowd was into the game from the onset. It was clear the Packers had a home-field advantage and that played a big role in the outcome of the game. It wasn’t only the crowd that was a big reason for the win — it was the defense as well.

The Packers haven’t been known as a team that is great defensively over the past few years, but they flexed their muscles yesterday against an explosive Lions offense.

Luckily for the Packers, star wideout Calvin Johnson didn’t play for the Lions due to a knee injury. However, the Lions still had players like Reggie Bush on the field and the defense came up big slowing them down.

The defense allowed just nine points and made the Lions’ high-powered offense look very slow. Defensive end Nick Perry recorded two of the team’s four sacks and also forced a fumble in the game. Along with Perry, the secondary played well. They did not force a turnover, but you could tell they made the Lions receivers uncomfortable.

Cornerbacks Tramon Williams and Sam Shields played very physical games and made the receivers work for every yard. Also, the secondary finally got back starting safety Morgan Burnett,and his impact was shown as he was flying all over the field and making big plays.

The offensive totals for the Lions were low throughout the game. The Packers’ defense allowed only 44 rushing yards to Bush and only 21 yards to backup Joique Bell. Quarterback Matthew Stafford was held to 262 yards and was pressured a lot throughout the game.

It was a must-win game for the Packers and the defense stepped up. Many people in the NFL think that the offense for the Packers will win them games, but yesterday afternoon showed that the defense is still a vital part of this team and when healthy, they can play with any team and shut them down.

Without question, the game ball yesterday in that locker room goes to the entire defense!

Michael Tiscia is a Green Bay Packers writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.