Game Recap: Lions Punch Packers into Offseason 20-16
By Tony_Wilson
With the season on the line, the 2022 Packers did what the 2022 Packers did all year - not quite enough. The offense got close, but not close enough. The defense was good, but not great. Time and time again this team failed to live up to their own expectations, and this time it closed the door on the season, and maybe the career for one Aaron Rodgers. A disappointment to be sure, but in all, impressive the team got into this position. But not even the most positive of mindsets or manifestations of the mind were enough to overcome mistakes and a very tough, very good opponent who more than deserved its victory in the Detroit Lions.
Packers QB Aaron Rodgers is hauled down by Lions end Aidan Hutchinson in Detroit's 20-16 win.
First Quarter
The Packers got going first, with a couple early touches to Christian Watson and Aaron Jones for a first down. On a shot play, Aaron Rodgers went deep to receiver Allen Lazard, who picked up a pass interference call at the Lions' 5 yard line. But the drive would stall, and Mason Crosby would hit the chip shot to open the scoring at 3-0.
The Packers defense then got going with an early three and out for the Lions offense. The third down pass was pressured by Kenny Clark and Jared Goff's pass fell incomplete.
After a Keisean Nixon punt return, out came Rodgers and the Packers. But facing an early 4th and 1, Rodgers went under center to presumably try to draw the Lions offside. But after some shifting, they ran a play, an end around to Allen Lazard which was stopped for the turnover on downs.
The Green Bay D stepped up big though, stopping the Lions on 3rd and 9. Kicker Michael Badgley nailed the kick to make it 3-3.
Taking back over, the Packers went to Jones for 6 yards, then AJ Dillon for 4 and the first. After another run to Dillon, Rodgers went deep to Watson to move the Packers near the red zone. But on the ensuing 3rd and 5, Lions end Aidan Hutchinson blew past Yosh Nijman for the sack. Crosby snuck in a 49-yarder to put the Pack back on top 6-3.
The Lions, on their next try with the ball, seemed to have an easy first down on a third down conversion. But after review, receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown didn't keep his hands under the pass and the Lions were forced to punt.
Second Quarter
Facing 3rd and 4, Rodgers threw up a jump ball that was hauled in by tight end Robert Tonyan for 21 yards. But on the next 3rd and 5, Rodgers was sacked again by Hutchinson forcing another field goal. Crosby knocked in the 48 yarder to make it 9-3 Pack.
The Lions were able to move the ball on their next drive after back Justin Jackson broke through two defenders on third down to sustain the drive. But ultimately after a 3rd and long stop by the defense, Badgley came in and missed a 47-yard kick.
On Green Bay's next drive, following a 4th and 1 conversion by AJ Dillon, Rodgers hit Aaron Jones who had room down the side. But fighting for extra yardage, Jones was stripped and the ball was recovered by Detroit. A gut punch for a good-looking drive.
The Lions were able to get to field goal territory, and facing a 48-yarder, Rasul Douglas picked up a 15-yard penalty to make it a 33-yarder which Badgley easily hit. 9-6 going to halftime.
Third Quarter
The Packers forced an early stop of the Lions, and nearly took their first play to the house. Aaron Jones took an inside run for 17, but was tripped up. Rodgers then hit Lazard down to the Lions 38. Going deep to Jones, Rodgers was almost picked off by Kerby Joseph. Then after throwing incomplete on 3rd and 7, Mason Crosby attempted a 53-yarder which hit the crossbar and fell short.
Taking over with favorable field position, the Lions took advantage. Turning to Jamaal Williams, he ran for 12 and a first. That set up a play action, when Goff went deep to Khalif Raymond who hauled it in inside the 1. Williams punched it in the next play to put the Lions in front 13-9.
The Packers then had their shot to regain the lead. Facing an early third and short, Rodgers snuck it for the first. Then Rodgers went deep to Watson for 45 who beautifully hauled in the pass despite getting interfered. On the ensuing second down, Rodgers hit Lazard in the back of the end zone for the score and the lead, 16-13 Packers.
Fourth Quarter
The defense forced a very quick 3 and out, but were unable to take advantage. After exchanging penalties, Pat O'Donnell came out to punt. The Lions then turned to their short passing game and running game. Following Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jamaal Williams, the Lions were able to move down the field and punch in a short touchdown to take a stranglehold on the game 20-16.
With 5:40 to go and the season on the line, facing 3rd and 10 the Lions brought the house. Rodgers went deep to Watson, but Rodgers-killer Kirby Joseph effortlessly stepped in front to pick it off, his second of the game.
After Goff passed on first down on what seemed like an incomplete pass that was actually a catch, the Lions went back to Williams. Getting well within field goal - and end the game - range, the Packers defense faced a 4th and 1 for the season. Goff was able to connect with receiver DJ Chark for the first down and to end the Packers' winning streak and season.
What Went Right
Christian Watson is a dude. His big play ability was about the only thing going right for the Packers offense.
What Went Wrong
Red Zone offense, namely inside the 5, crippled this team all year and reared its ugly head at the worst time. They just were not good enough offensively to overcome mistakes.
Offensive MVP
Watson again. He's going to be a very important piece to the Packers future, be it with Rodgers or Love.
Defensive MVP
Gonna go with Joe Barry here. He made a number of adjustments not only tonight, but the second half of the year. Now, if he could only get his guys to tackle better.
Author's note - thank you for reading this year. It's been a pleasure writing for you, despite the challenging season. Remember, it's about the journey as fans. Enjoy the games, don't get too caught up in the outcomes. Enjoy the cold beer, brats, and touchdowns.
PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE.
__________________________
Tony Wilson takes pride in journalism training from 2/3 of directional-Michigan MAC schools. A former Sporting News writer, Tony now focuses on the Packers from his home in Toledo, OH. His beer of choice is a Miller Lite from the bottom of the cooler. You can find him on Twitter @GlassCityPack.
__________________________
Comments (54)
ddepula418
January 08, 2023 at 11:03 pm
Have you notice that MLF gets out coached in EVERY big game, especially at Lambeau? Three years in a row they lose a BIG game at home. So much for home field advantage.
Alberta_Packer
January 08, 2023 at 11:52 pm
In tandem is Rodgers who has also under performed in every big playoff game over the last 3 years.
Crankbait
January 09, 2023 at 07:19 am
Yes, there's absolutely no excuse for this and he should be replaced.
ddepula418
January 08, 2023 at 11:05 pm
Out played, out coached, out hit, and going home losers again. MLF is brutal. Nice play calling on the 5 yard line. I knew that would come back to haunt them. Nice play calling on fourth and 1/2 yard. Are you kidding me. Time for a complete overhaul.
Wenis
January 08, 2023 at 11:05 pm
Hard to come away with a win when you have a bone-headed coach who goes for it on 4th and 1 deep in his own territory early in a must win game. This guy has run the offense into the ground and looks totally inept when things go sideways. The look on his face on the sidelines is priceless..... Hello McFly !!!!!!
Since'61
January 08, 2023 at 11:05 pm
Outprepared, outcoached, outplayed and out of the playoffs. Pathetic. MLF's decisions gave the Lions at least 6 points. He planned and played not to lose this game and he ended up getting beat by a team that planned and played to win. No excuses. time to move on from MLF and his staff. Thanks, Since '61
ddepula418
January 08, 2023 at 11:05 pm
Defense came up small when they needed them the most.
Straya
January 08, 2023 at 11:30 pm
They weren't dominant like the last two weeks but they were up to par. Held a good Lions offense to 20. Offense needs to pony up
GBPDAN1
January 08, 2023 at 11:05 pm
Very disappointed with our Offense. I expected more than 16 points to be scored against one of the worst defenses in the league. Our Red Zone Offense was horrible all season.
It will be an interesting off season.
ddepula418
January 08, 2023 at 11:06 pm
Should have blown the Lions out of the stadium!
jannesbjornson
January 09, 2023 at 09:19 am
Big game Fumbles. 5-6 dropped passes do not move the chains. Who in the hell goes for it on 4th down deep in your OWN territory. Redzone illustrates a weak interior O lline and does La Fleur know a power I-set?
greengold
January 08, 2023 at 11:08 pm
Ugh.
This was a very undisciplined 2022 team. Rather get punched out here rather in SF next week. Time to go all-in on building for the future, which we should have been more focused on for years now.
Guess we can all R - E - L - A - X .
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
January 08, 2023 at 11:23 pm
Welcome back GG!
That the Packers didn't make the playoffs didn't surprise me, or even upset me too much as the loss was expected. One team is ascending and one descending.
What did surprise me & upset me is a Packer front office putting all their chips on an aging player whose abilities are in decline when the team has good younger talent. Why go with an older player whose talent was deteriorating? Where obtaining all that draft capital would have infused lots of young talent to our already talented young team.
However, nothing has frustrated me more than the Packers repeatedly denying Jordan Love opportunities to obtain meaningful game experience. Jordan should have gotten quite a few games under his belt during the losing streak and with injuries to Rodgers. He NEEDED game experience prior to next season!
So....where do the Packers find themselves? With a 40 year old QB next year with deteriorated skills and a monster salary where even if the Pack can trade him it will only be for a fraction of what they could have gotten last season. Plus, Jordan Love could have gained NFL experience allowing him to go into 2023 ready to perform. Next year we are going to need to exercise patience with Jordan Love, particularly during the 1st half of the season as he obtains game experience. The Packers desperately need another top WR & TE and surround Love with skilled players, particularly to help him make the adjustment. With the 16th pick (approximately) in round 1 this gets a lot tougher to do. Frustrated!
greengold
January 08, 2023 at 11:41 pm
Thanks, Knockers!
I haven’t been on here but a few times as I had zero confidence in Rodgers doing anything significant this season.
Most revealing is how little I have in LaFleur, which was probably inevitable with the proverbial inmate (plural?) running the asylum.
How many years into his tenure now, and I still have zero clue what his offensive scheme is exactly? Wow.
This has been a 4 year shit show. At least we didn’t have to witness being slaughtered in the playoffs by SF. Again.
Time for some very big changes in Green Bay, starting from the top.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
January 08, 2023 at 11:53 pm
Agreed but sadly a year too late missing out on all the talent they sacrificed to bring back Rodgers along with that new contract.
Big decisions this offseason will occur but it doesn't change the fact the front office made IMO the worse decision I can ever recall. Way worse than the John Hadl trade, or hiring Bart Starr as Head Coach/ General Manager with no experience, or a Ray Rhodes. This was a colossal f@&k-up that will set the team back for years. Squandering a lot of talent already on this team. Now....we can look forward to a starting QB in Jordan Love next year with no meaningful game experience.
greengold
January 09, 2023 at 09:03 am
I put the blame squarely upon Mark Murphy. He totally shit the bed when GB failed to trade Rodgers 3 years ago. We've been paying for it ever since. Rodgers never could get out of his own way, and ultimately, that problem has remained in our way for years.
jannesbjornson
January 09, 2023 at 09:24 am
When he(Murphy), dominated the Press Conference when LaFleur was hired, told me all I needed to know about the new coach. I remember Holmgren clearly taking charge and explaining how they were going to be a SB team. Even Big Mike took hold of the story and outlined a pathway to the Big Game. That's enough of this Silage Show. Al Neuman should be the first one out the door.
Packer_Fan
January 08, 2023 at 11:08 pm
This game was a replay of last year's loss to SF in the playoffs. Missed opportunities and mistakes did the Packers in. And:
Rodgers last pass was a bomb that was intercepted. And the Lions ran out the clock. Last year against SF, Rodgers last pass that Adams broke up, but SF ran out the clock. Rodgers hasn't played a good playoff game in years.
The offense stalled in the second half. Terrible.
Barry has to go. Twice on the last drive on fourth down, it as a pitch and catch because the defense was playing off the receivers.
So much for this season.
PackyCheese500
January 08, 2023 at 11:09 pm
What a disappointing season. To have this hot streak come to an end this way is depressing. Like the Titans game.
Props to the Lions, though, for playing a good game. They should be the favorite to win the NFC North next year.
On the other side, this just shows how much the Vikings are pretending if they get blown out by this 8-9 team!
kozmo
January 08, 2023 at 11:09 pm
why in gods name would you go for it in the 1st quarter from our what 30 years line? PUNT THE BALL
greengold
January 08, 2023 at 11:19 pm
That was a piss poor decision by LaFleur. Awful. Completely disrespectful, and the Lions responded accordingly.
PackyCheese500
January 08, 2023 at 11:10 pm
MLF needs to go. He is a fine OC, but not enough of a leader (like Campbell is) to be a competent HC.
On an unrelated note, Wyatt had a pretty good game
MEO73
January 08, 2023 at 11:10 pm
Out coached and out played. Packers fail to show up in a game that would have given some life to a dismal season.
ddepula418
January 08, 2023 at 11:10 pm
Jones' fumble before the half really hurt. A TD there and it is a totally different ballgame.
jannesbjornson
January 09, 2023 at 09:27 am
I would not bring him back. Taylor has more wiggle than Dillon, but we know how hierarchies work in LaFleur's system.
SteelyPhil
January 08, 2023 at 11:12 pm
Aside from Christian Watson balling out, the only positive I can take away from this game is that it saved me from having my heart broken in the postseason by the 49ers yet again. Absolutely embarrassing loss at home in a must-win game for the second year in a row (three if you want to throw the 2020 NFCCG in there too; don't feel that quite reaches the bar of "embarrassing"). Soft, soft, soft.
Dragon5
January 08, 2023 at 11:13 pm
Rodgers or Brady to Raiders???
greengold
January 08, 2023 at 11:25 pm
If the Packers can somehow trade Rodgers to the Raiders, I’ll spring for a party at Corey’s.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
January 08, 2023 at 11:40 pm
For what? A conditional 7th rounder and a mop?
Aaron has been a great QB and has played tough over the years garnering my respect. With the fact he should have been traded last offseason aside...just what would a team be willing to trade to get him? Seriously based on his play and cap hit? It has been close to 20 games since he has thrown for 300 yards.
greengold
January 08, 2023 at 11:45 pm
What kind of mop are we talking about…? I might do that.
PackyCheese500
January 08, 2023 at 11:35 pm
I think the Jets are a better fit
BAMABADGER
January 08, 2023 at 11:15 pm
Packer FO, please contact Sean Payton about interest in assuming the HC position. We need a mature leader managing this team. Years ago, Payton wanted the Packer HC job but was bypassed for Mike McCarthy. He will be signed by some other needy team very quickly. Make our 2023 Christmas come 12 month early. GPG!
greengold
January 08, 2023 at 11:28 pm
I’d have no problem with that.
PackyCheese500
January 08, 2023 at 11:36 pm
Only problem with Payton is that we'd likely have to give up a first-rounder and more to get him from NO
Crankbait
January 09, 2023 at 07:25 am
Will never happened with our "rule by committee" management.
cinpackback
January 08, 2023 at 11:18 pm
A fitting end to a sad season where nobody seemed to accept responsibility and only a few of the players put 100% into their performances. So much talent was wasted. I’m ready for a fresh wind to blow through Green Bay! 🌬
stockholder
January 08, 2023 at 11:19 pm
Fire Barry! So Do we sign guys that drop balls. Or move on?
Somebody that catches the first ball thrown to them. Wr rd. 1. please .
PackyCheese500
January 08, 2023 at 11:37 pm
No. This team is not well-rounded enough. Let's go get Michael Mayer, the TE. He is the presence we're missing in the middle of the field
jannesbjornson
January 09, 2023 at 09:39 am
Just trade down and try to snag another Two Pick. The first round is best of OT, Edge, WR, CB. I would take Mayer in round two, or Washington. Get Uzomah the edge from K-State with the One ,or the other two pick. Again, inadequate pass rush when crunch time arrives. Kincaid, LaPorta, Tucker Kraft all can go in the second. Schoonmaker is a guy to watch. Stover, Payne Durham Big Ten guys. Get two TEs. Rice or Tillman at the WR spot in rd two. Try to accrue at least two picks in this round. I would move '23 picks to get three shots in this value round.
Crankbait
January 09, 2023 at 07:30 am
The offense along with their overrated cheerleader coach came fully prepared to choke and make mistakes....and they did.
Packers business model just sucks.
RTT383
January 08, 2023 at 11:43 pm
Another January and another pathetic display of packer football…….
QB issue
Head coach issue
DC issue
And I thought the the House of Representatives was a shitshow
Crankbait
January 09, 2023 at 07:34 am
.....and I know the White House is a shit show.
Ferrari-Driver
January 09, 2023 at 12:50 am
The loss to the Lions is truly disappointing. We had every advantage I can think of to win the game.
1 We had the home field advantage with temperatures in the 20's
2 We had incentive to the avenge the earlier loss to the Lions
3 We had incentive to be in the playoffs by winning the game
4 We had a crowd that was fired up in Lambeau
5 We have few players on injured reserve compared to the league average and we had our desired starting five on the offensive line with two healthy running backs.
I wish we would have won the game, but we didn't.
Leatherhead
January 09, 2023 at 01:38 am
16 points on our home field in a must win game against the weakest defense in the league..
83.1 passer rating by my calculations. I said Rodgers had to play well to win, and that didn’t happen.
Cubbygold
January 09, 2023 at 06:36 am
A critical fumble that would have given the Packers a strong lead and momentum...
Playing not to lose for the remainder of the game after that...
Putting all the pressure on the defense instead of scoring...
And when it's time to step up on third down, 12 throws deep into heavy coverage instead of hitting the open man streaking across the first down line...
I fully expect to see the third edition of this movie next year, can't wait.
NickPerry
January 09, 2023 at 07:07 am
Defensive MVP
Gonna go with Joe Barry here. He made a number of adjustments not only tonight, but the second half of the year. Now, if he could only get his guys to tackle better.
What?
Huh?
Oh, you're joking!
Wait, I don't get it...
The final few minutes, hell the whole 4th quarter were a mirror imagine of the entire season.
Since'61
January 09, 2023 at 09:25 am
The Packers beat themselves which I posted pre game was the only way that the Packers could lose the game.
Anatomy of beating themselves:
1. MLF - poor preparation, poor coaching, playing not to lose and topping if off with stupid and unnecessary field position decisions which gave the Lions 10 easy points in a game that ended with a 4 point differential.
2. Jones fumble before the half. cost the Packers at least 3 points on the drive and became at least a 6 point swing in a game with a 4 point differential.
3. 5 dropped passes by Packer receivers. If those receptions are made we have a totally different game. Rodgers ends up 22/27 with more yardage and maybe more points if the drives are continued following the drops.
4. Outplayed on both sides of the LOS.
5. Stupid, stupid penalties by Douglas and Walker. In 61 years of watching NFL football I have never seen either of those stupid plays before. Total WTF??? and complete lack of discipline which starts with coaching. Thanks, Since '61
jannesbjornson
January 09, 2023 at 10:01 am
I still maintain my position on Walker. Watson should have gone #22 and Wyatt was penciled in at #29. He would then retain both of the Two Picks. They could have added McBride(TE) or Pierce(WR), then Lucas to fil the RT spot. The malaise started with the '22 draft. Rhyan has contributed nothing to the team, keeping the
third round record of failure intact for Gutedkunst. A CB in rd one will move Douglas out the door.
MainePackFan
January 09, 2023 at 10:05 am
All true Since'61. Especially this one:
"3. 5 dropped passes by Packer receivers. If those receptions are made we have a totally different game. Rodgers ends up 22/27 with more yardage and maybe more points if the drives are continued following the drops.
Rodgers wasn't perfect by any means. The problem is, due to the other 4 things you mentioned, he had to be.
MainePackFan
January 09, 2023 at 10:19 am
I will say this:
Kerby Joseph baited Rodgers in both games. I am shocked that Rodgers kept falling for it hook, line and sinker.
jannesbjornson
January 09, 2023 at 11:35 am
They Knew LaFleur's Tendencies to go with the Wheel routes to A.Jones. Simple Film Study. You have to run a script counter from the season's scheme. I am sure Holmgren is having fits.
MainePackFan
January 09, 2023 at 12:03 pm
It happened 5 times over 2 games resulting in 3 ints. It's not just film study. AR knows better than to float those passes if he sees the safety lurking. Joseph seemed to bait him into thinking he was leveraging his coverage elsewhere.
Since'61
January 09, 2023 at 10:20 am
Excellent MainePackFan! Rodgers can no longer overcome the stupid coaching decisions, the drops and the bad penalties. He is not good enough to play at that level any longer and he shouldn't need to at this point in his career. He needs to have other players step up rather than disappear in the game's key moments. Much of that is on coaching but they apparently can't step up to the big moments. Thanks, Since '61
coolhand
January 09, 2023 at 10:11 am
Early on I thought the Packer's d line was playing well, but the O line was not good all game. Detroit came in with more fire and energy and the Packers didn't match it. The second half Detroit took over the LOS on both sides of the ball. Game over.