A chance to take over first place in the NFC North eluded the Green Bay Packers on Sunday at a rainy Lambeau Field. The Detroit Lions scored 24 straight points and won 24-14 against the Packers, extending the Lions’ winning streak to six games and giving the Packers a 6-3 record at the end of the week.
Winning huge games in the NFL is challenging, and the task becomes even more challenging when you include self-inflicted mistakes into the equation. The Packers’ penchant for penalties, drops and interceptions was on display again on Sunday, and the Lions took full advantage of that advantage with an critical league road win.
Here are three things that stood out from the Packers’ loss to the Lions:
Drops in huge places
Not only did the Packers drop at least a half-dozen passes, but they happened in huge moments. On the first drive, running back Chris Brooks had a chance to extend the drive in the red zone, but lost the pass underneath. Later in the first half, Tucker Kraft was unable to complete a catch on third down before Brandon McManus missed a field goal. Dontayvion Wicks scored on third down, ending the Packers’ first drive of the second half and a down in the end zone before fumbled on fourth down. How many points did the Packers leave on the field Sunday because they failed to grab a huge spot?
No exploit
The Packers missed opportunity after opportunity. Josh Jacobs scored 37 yards in the first half, but a third-down penalty ended a promising drive into Lions territory. Brian Branch’s illegal kick and bust gave the Packers a 30-yard score, but Brandon McManus missed a field goal after falling on third down. Jayden Reed caught the ball three times for 25 or more yards, all from different passes, but the Packers scored only three points in total after thrilling drives. In the NFL, mistakes often accumulate, and each missed opportunity can have a major impact on the final result. The Packers will watch the tape on Monday and enjoy taking advantage of every opportunity they had to take control or get back into the game.
Situational combat
The Packers scored one touchdown on four trips to the red zone, finished 3-for-12 on third down and gave up a pair of touchdowns on fourth down. For the most part, the “Lions” dominated the competition in terms of situationality. Green Bay scored just six points in its first three trips to the red zone. They attacked after the Lions’ first touchdown in the first half and their first touchdown in the second half. Amon-Ra St. Brown caught a fourth-down touchdown from the 3-yard line, and Jahmyr Gibbs easily handled the Packers’ defense on fourth-and-1 to open the second half. The Packers did fumble the ball on third down, but the defense failed to secure a layup. When a huge play was needed, the Lions were the team that played more consistently.
The weather only mattered to one team
The Lions, a dome team, played a mostly flawless game in the rain, despite having their first outdoor game of the season on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Packers shrunk in unfavorable weather conditions. Matt LaFleur’s team lost passes, had a destitute handoff conversion and had at least 3-4 missed snaps. Playing in inclement weather can test a football team’s character and mental toughness, and the Packers languished in the torrential rain. On Sunday, both teams had to play under the same conditions – only one team was up to the challenge.
