The Detroit Lions hold bragging rights after defeating the Green Bay Packers on Thursday, December 5.
However, high-profile NFL games often spark trash talk, and this matchup was no exception, with plenty of trolling before, during, and after the game.
Now, several Detroit Lions players are speaking out about the “disrespectful” comments, flexing their confidence after the victory.
Packers Trash Talk ‘Went Too Far’
After the Lions’ win, cornerback Carlton Davis commented on the Packers’ pre-game trash talk. The Packers were confident they could exploit Detroit’s injury-depleted defense, but the Lions had other plans.
“They were saying crazy stuff, like Jordan Love was going to pass for 430 yards or something like that,” Davis told reporters. “That was disrespectful. But whatever.
I think he had like 200 passing yards, and we gave up some nonsense. We’ll see them again next year or maybe in the playoffs. It’s not over yet.”
While Davis disapproved of Green Bay’s boasting, his goal wasn’t to humiliate the Packers but simply to win the game.
When asked if the Lions embarrassed their opponents, he replied, “Nah, nah. We’re not trying to humiliate them.”
Davis added, “That’s just how we play. Coach said before the game, ‘We’re going for all the fourth-and-1’s, fourth-and-shorts.’ And we were like, ‘Yeah, let’s do it, coach.’ If we didn’t convert, we’d just get back out there and play.”
Za’Darius Smith and Others Address Packers
Detroit defensive lineman Za’Darius Smith, a former Packer, also took issue with the trash talk. For him, the game carried extra weight.
NFL Network’s Stacey Dales spoke with Smith about his feelings toward his former team.
“Za’Darius, you told me this week it felt like a bit of a revenge game since you gave that franchise your all for three years,” Dales said.
Smith responded, “I gave them two good years. Then I got hurt, and they treated me like I was nothing. But I’m glad to be on this side now. I had a chance to get revenge with the Vikings, and now I’ve done it again with Detroit.”
Meanwhile, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur voiced frustration with Ford Field’s security after an altercation with a Lions fan.
LaFleur confronted a fan who was helping hold the American flag for the national anthem, claiming the fan antagonized Green Bay players and gave them throat-slash gestures.
“He was talking trash to our players and got in my face,” LaFleur told reporters. “It was unsportsmanlike. I’ve been on many fields, and usually, they handle this better. Security should have removed him. He shouldn’t have been doing that.”
