Detroit Lions NFL highlights recap victory over Green Bay Packers
The Detroit Lions arrived at their matchup against Green Bay Packers in Week 9 with a lot of noise.
The team was able to move on from Aubrey Pleasant, the defensive backs coach. They then decided to trade tight-end T.J. Hockenson to Minnesota Vikings at the deadline.
After five consecutive losses, the defense played one of their best games, forcing numerous turnovers from Aaron Rodgers, a future Hall of Fame quarterback.
Green Bay was kept off of the scoreboard until midway through the third quarter.
Detroit scored its first points in halftime after a lull in offensive play to pull away from its division rival.
Here are four takeaways from the Lions’ 15-9 victory at Ford Field.
Offensive penalties derail first-half drives
The Lions simply struggled to get out of their own way offensively in the first half.
After dealing with numerous penalties in the second-half against the Dolphins, Lions were again plagued by multiple infractions against the Packers.
A holding on the Lions’ second dive by Taylor Decker , stalled the team’s second offensive possession.
Detroit’s third offensive drive was stalled by a holding penalty on wideout Tom Kennedy and a Decker false-start.
Detroit finally got on the scoreboard on its fourth offensive possession. Jared Goff led the offense on an eight-play, 61-yard drive that was capped off by a short toss to a wide-open Shane Zylstra for a 1-yard touchdown.
Jamaal Wils successfully converted a 2-point conversion to give the Lions an eight-0 halftime lead.
Detroit gained possession after Dan Campbell successfully challenged an incomplete Packers pass to Allen Lazard.
Lack of explosive plays limit offensive productivity
Not having DJ Chark and Josh Reynolds available made the Lions’ offense reliant on the run. The Packers were able to win the game despite the lack of explosiveness. Detroit had to rely on Amon Ra St. Brown and Jamaal Wils to keep the ball moving.
Unfortunately, quarterback Jared Goff proved to be prone once again to a momentum-changing turnover. Jaire Alexander read the play from the moment Goff stepped up in his pocket.
Goff was able to rebound, though, and led the team late in the third quarter on a scoring drive that extended the Lions’ lead to nine, 15-6.
Tight end James Mitchell scored his first career touchdown, as he capped off a 13-play, 70-yard drive with a 3-yard touchdown.
Lions’ defense steps up, safety Kerby Joseph shines
Coming into the game, quarterback Aaron Rodgers recorded 40 career touchdowns, against only one interception, against NFC North opponents. Both of the Packers’ offensive drives ended in interceptions.
Rookie Safety Kerby Joe is still a factor in Aaron Glenn’s defense. He has forced a turnover in three consecutive games. With the Packers in the red zone, and having moved the ball all the way down, Rodgers’ pass got tipped by Derrick Barnes, and intercepted the first-year safety.
Rodgers again tossed an interception on the Packers‘ next drive, as Aidan Hutchinson earned his first career interception on fourth down to start the second quarter.
After a Goff intercept, Joseph jumped in front Robert Tonyan, securing the second interception of this game.
Joseph is the first Lions rookie with a two-interception game since safety Devon Mitchell accomplished the feat back in 1986.
At the end of the fourth quarter, Detroit’s rookie safety was shaken and taken off the field when he collided with Jeff Okudah.
Both left the game immediately and were taken to their locker rooms. Okudah was able return to the game, but Joseph was taken to the locker room for evaluation.
(c) Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports
David Reginek, USA TODAY Sports
Lions not the only team dealing with injuries
The Lions came into the game having dealt with significant injuries that have kept key offensive weapons either limited or unavailable. Due to Josh Reynolds’ back injury,
Detroit had to start wideouts Kalif Ray and Tom Kennedy.
Runningback Craig Reynolds was unable to finish the game after sustaining a rib injury during the first half.
The Packers lost wideout Romeo Doubs to an ankle injury and cornerback Eric Stokes to the game’s first half.
To begin the second half, tackle David Bakhtiari was injured in the knee and had to leave the game.
Meanwhile, wideout Christian Watson was evaluated for a concussion in the third quarter.
The author of 5 books, 3 of which are New York Times bestsellers. I’ve been published in more than 100 newspapers and magazines and am a frequent commentator on NPR.
