The Green Bay Packers suffered a crushing defeat to the Detroit Lions on Thursday night. The Lions, driven by Dan Campbell’s bold coaching, achieved a franchise record with their 11th consecutive win. Detroit, now 12-1, edged Green Bay 34-31 in this Week 14 clash.
The Packers’ tough loss to their NFC North rivals prompted a frank response from Matt LaFleur. The Green Bay head coach told his team they’d “have to earn the right to potentially come back here,” according to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky. Despite the setback, LaFleur expressed confidence, saying, “I do think we have a good football team.”
Green Bay, now 9-4, remains a strong team but fell short against a superior Detroit squad. The Lions are 2-0 against the Packers this season, including a 24-14 victory in Week 9 at Lambeau Field.
Detroit dominated the first half, taking advantage of Jordan Love’s rough start. Love completed just 3 of 7 passes for 31 yards with no touchdowns by halftime, as the Lions built a 17-7 lead.
Matt LaFleur and the Packers endured a tough loss in Detroit.
Love improved in the second half, finishing with 206 passing yards and one touchdown. However, running back Josh Jacobs carried Green Bay’s offense, scoring three rushing touchdowns on the night.
Despite Jacobs’ heroics, Detroit proved too strong. Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick scored twice, his first touchdowns in three years. His second touchdown in the fourth quarter gave Detroit a 31-28 lead.
Dan Campbell’s unwavering confidence sealed the Lions’ victory. With 43 seconds left, Campbell opted for a 4th-and-1 attempt at Green Bay’s 20-yard line. The Lions converted, drained the clock, and secured the win with a last-second field goal.
The Packers sit third in a highly competitive division but remain in the playoff hunt as the NFC’s sixth seed. Yet LaFleur’s comments suggest he sees Detroit as the team to beat. While the Packers might return to the Motor City, it’s uncertain if they can overcome the Lions.
