The Green Bay Packers dropped 24 straight points – including seven after an interception that was returned for a Jordan Love touchdown delayed in the first half – and failed to rally in a 24-14 loss to the Detroit Lions at a humid and windy Lambeau. Field on Sunday.
The Packers are currently 6-3 overall but 0-2 in the NFC North entering Week 10.
Here’s what went right, what went wrong and what it means for the Packers moving forward:
Which went well
— The Packers actually outrebounded the Lions by 150 yards — 411 to 261. On a per-game basis, the Packers also won decisively — 6.6 to 4.7. Green Bay even outscored the Lions (138-124). The winning stats just didn’t translate to the leaderboard for a variety of reasons.
— The Packers made a long drive and took an early 3-0 lead. The first possession lasted almost eight minutes and was essential in quickly determining the score.
— Josh Jacobs had 13 carries for 95 yards for a 7.3-yard average. He has rushed for 37 yards in three straight games and is now at 25 or more yards. Emanuel Wilson also ran for 19 yards.
— Jayden Reed converted five catches for 113 yards, including three catches of 25 or more yards.
— Jordan Love’s mobility was restricted, but he didn’t take a sack and the Lions had just two quarterback hits.
— The Packers defense scored only 17 points, including only seven in the second half. The Lions had three straight drives in the second half and were overall 4-of-12 on third down.
What went wrong
— Jordan Love’s six delayed in the first half turned a 10-3 run into a 17-3 halftime advantage for the Lions.
— The Packers scored 1 of 4 in the red zone and 3 of 12 on third down. Meanwhile, the Lions recorded two red zone touchdowns and two fourth-down conversions.
—Ten consecutive penalties. One extended the Lions’ winning streak. Several others helped with drive brief circuits. The Packers continue to be one of the most penalized teams in the NFL.
— The Packers gave up three goals, including two on needy snaps. Elgton Jenkins and Love had trouble making shotgun shots in the rain.
— FOX credited the Packers with six sacks. Four of them went down on third down, including two in the red zone. Dontayvion Wicks had a turnover in the end zone. The rain clearly affected the Packers’ ability to catch the ball.
— Lions running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery combined for 138 rushing yards, 34 receiving yards and 182 total yards.
— Kicker Brandon McManus missed his first field goal as a Packer. In the first half, his 46-yard field goal went wide left.
— Keisean Nixon gave up a fourth-down touchdown pass and a third-down conversion, and his holding penalty extended the Lions’ scoring drive to start the second half.
— Jared Goff completed his first 11 passes. He finished 18-of-22 passing and took only one sack.
What does it mean
The Packers will enter the midseason break with a 6-3 record, but two disappointing home losses to division rivals and persistent issues with drops, penalties and interceptions have Matt LaFleur’s team looking vulnerable heading into a hard second-half stretch. Winning the league is looking increasingly unlikely considering the Lions are currently 7-1 with wins at Lambeau Field. But who knows what might happen in the last two months. Can the Packers operate their bye week to recover from some essential injuries and find a way to featherlight the fire at the right moment? This team looks full of potential, but at some point everything has to come together and be executed for it to matter. You could argue that the Packers lost to their three best opponents to date.
Overview of the most essential events
What’s next?
Goodbye week. The Packers are 6-3 and in good shape for a playoff run, but Matt LaFleur’s team needs to get well and address some of their lingering issues in the off week. As a farewell, the Packers will go to Chicago to face the Bears, who lost to 4-4 on Sunday, and who will play a home game against the New England Patriots. It will be essential for the Packers to get back on track on November 17 and secure their first division win of the season.
