Lions Fall Short in Thanksgiving Showdown Against Packers

The Detroit Lions picked the wrong day to have one of their worst performances of the season. Facing a confident Green Bay Packers team on Thanksgiving at Ford Field, it felt as if the tryptophan had already kicked in for the team in Honolulu blue and silver. A staggering 66,476 fans witnessed the Lions’ sluggish start, reminiscent of that post-dinner lethargy. The Packers, led by quarterback Jordan Love, seized the momentum early and the Lions could never recover in a game that was less about thanks and more about missed opportunities. Ultimately, the Packers left Ford Field in Detroit with a commanding 29-22 victory over the Lions.

First Quarter Fizzles

Love connected with wide receiver Christian Watson on a picture-perfect 53-yard pass right off the bat. A quick touchdown catch by former MSU Spartan Jayden Reed followed, putting the Packers ahead within the first 3 minutes.

The Lions did strike back, with quarterback Jared Goff connecting with tight end Sam LaPorta for a 7-yard touchdown. However, a missed extra point by kicker Riley Patterson kept the Lions trailing at 7-6, an early sign of the struggles to come.

The first half continued to unravel for Detroit, with their defense struggling against Love’s precision. Defensive lapses, soft coverage, and a lack of pressure on Love allowed the Packers to build a comfortable lead. The Packers quarterback finished the half with an impressive 189 yards and two touchdowns, boasting a 137.3 QB rating. Meanwhile, Goff’s pair of fumbles, including one returned for a touchdown, dampened the Lions’ spirit.

A Second-Half Surge Cut Short

Emerging with renewed vigor, the Lions started the second half with vigor. David Montgomery’s touchdown and a successful two-point conversion brought a flicker of hope. But this resurgence was short-lived. A failed fake punt by the Lions handed the momentum back to the Packers, leading to another Love touchdown pass to Watson.

Despite a late-game surge, including a Goff touchdown pass to Josh Reynolds and a successful two-point conversion, time ran out for the Lions. Green Bay secured a 29-22 victory, capitalizing on Detroit’s slow pace and inability to pressure Love effectively. The Lions’ defensive woes, particularly in pressuring the quarterback and defending passes, were starkly evident.

Looking Ahead

The Lions next face the NFC South-leading New Orleans Saints on December 3, aiming to rebound from this Thanksgiving setback. The Saints, currently at a 5-5 record, have a stout defense and will be another tough challenge for Detroit as they seek to regain their winning momentum.

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For more from our Detroit Lions beat writer, Matt Broder, check him out on Twitter here: @mattbro21

Contact: Broder@woodwardsports.com

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Original Photo Credit: © Lon Horwedel – USA TODAY Sports