The Green Bay Packers fell to the Detroit Lions 34-31 on Thursday night. While there were moments of great play, in the end, Matt LaFleur got out coached by Dan Campbell. Here’s some takeaways after the loss in prime time.
Matt LaFleur VS MCDC
As I said in the opening, Dan Campbell (MCDC) had Matt LaFleur dialed up all night. While the lead changed hands back and forth, the Lions seemed in control for most of that game.
I can certainly understand the desire to feed Packers RB Josh Jacobs the rock, but even I could predict the play call succession from the armchair. Matt just couldn’t stop running up the gut on every first down.
I understand the scouting report showed a battered Lions defensive line, however it was clear that they were getting pressure from the beginning. Yet, I saw no adjustment. While Jacobs definitely had some success, the inability to adapt and get creative against an aggressive coach like MCDC showed the flaws of a conservative game plan.
Reasons To Be Hopeful
While the Packers fell to the Lions, it’s not as if the season is now over. In the end, they lost to a better team in a nail biting walk off field goal finish. During the contest there were certainly bright spots showing the Packers can hang with the best of the best.
Green Bay Packers Offense
Putting up 31 points, even against a battered Lions defense, is still something to walk away proud of. While the commentators mentioned a lot of new faces, their defensive front certainly got home with a lot of consistency.
The game play of Tucker Kraft, Tay Wicks, and Christian Watson showed that Jordan Love’s arsenal is still potent for sure. However, the absence of Romeo Doubs was noticebale, and I would’ve liked to see Jayden Reed get more involved.
Jordan Love was also interception free in a 3rd straight game which more than calls for celebration. While Watson’s fumble certainly hurt, it wasn’t the catalyst for their defeat. He also more than made up for that blunder with 4 receptions totalling 114 yards.
Josh Jacobs
This man is a beast and continues to show why he was an upgrade from Aaron Jones.
Look at the stats reported on Packers.com:
“The sixth-year running back rushed for 66 yards and three touchdowns on 18 carries during Green Bay’s 34-31 loss to the Detroit Lions, eclipsing 1,000 rushing yards in the process for the fourth time in his career.”
Regardless of whether or not LaFleur should have MAYBE thought about taking a few run attempts to the outside, Josh Jacobs continues to be a consistent bell cow for this squad.
Defensive Ups & Downs
While Jared Goff looked true to form, the defense certainly had flashes of great play. It was awesome to see Kenny Clark stepping up again. It was also great to see the Packers defensive front step up against MCDC’s 4 down territory mindset. However, the lack of pass rush and a lackluster secondary performance was no match for the Lion’s high octane offense.
Another Secondary Pummeling
My favorite Packer Jaire Alexander was once again MIA due to injury, and it’s REALLY becoming a problem. I feel like week after week I am pointing out the poor play of Eric Stokes and Keisean Nixon and last night was no exception. Keisean had an interception, yes, but I would chalk that up more to Jared Goff’s errant pass rather than a heads up play by Nixon. With Evan Williams headed to concussion protocol, Hafley is going to need to address this DB room sooner than later.
Final Thoughts
As I stated above, again, we can all just take a breath. The season isn’t over, and in the end the Green Bay Packers stayed within 3 of a team that LaFleur himself praised as “arguably the best team in the NFL”.
While I don’t believe in moral victores as they don’t lead to rings, it’s hard to not feel good about a turnover free Jordan Love performance and standing toe to toe with the Lions.
The Packers will be in the playoffs, how deep their run will be is the better question as of now.
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