Green Bay packs it in as they fall to Detroit to end their season
The Packers finished 8-9 and out of the playoff picture as they fell 20-16 at home to the Detroit Lions.
It was a battle of field goals in the first half and the Packers held a slim 9-6 lead going into halftime. The Lions scored the game’s first touchdown in the third quarter. The Packers matched it, but Detroit scored another touchdown in the fourth. The Packers were unable to respond as Aaron Rodgers threw an interception late in the game and they never got the ball back.
Thoughts about this game:
The Packers looked to be in decent shape toward the end of the first half, but Aaron Jones fumbled and the Lions recovered it before it went out of bounds. They got a field goal themselves, helped by a 15-yard penalty by Rasul Douglas, who ran into the middle of the scrimmage and touched the football after the Lions took a timeout.
Speaking of penalties, what was Quay Walker thinking when he pushed a member of the Lions’ medical staff? It’s the second time he has been ejected this season, both times on Sunday night on National TV. It’s not a good look for him and not a good way to end your rookie season, or any season. Remember, the Packers passed on a receiver to pick him in the first round.
The Packers didn’t do themselves any favors settling for field goals in the first half. Sooner or later, that comes back to bite you and it did in this game.
The Lions were playing to win. Dan Campbell made a lot of gutsy calls, most of which worked in his team’s favor. Seattle won their game to knock the Lions out of playoff contention, but Detroit was playing to win regardless of the situation.
A lot of players on Green Bay might have played their final game wearing the Green & Gold. We will see what happens with Aaron Rodgers. It might be the last game for some members of the coaching staff as well.
Bottom line: The Packers did not deserve to make the playoffs. All they had to do was win this game and they fell short. They will be picking 15th overall in the upcoming NFL Draft.
So congrats to Seattle on making the playoffs. It would have been interesting had the Packers traveled on the road to face the 49ers and their rookie QB Brock Purdy, who has made quite a name for himself. They couldn’t finish the job in this game to make it there, so that doesn’t matter now.
We will see what moves the Packers make, both in the coming days and weeks, and also in the months ahead, especially when it comes to free agency and the NFL Draft. Take care Packer fans!
Go Pack Go!
@DieHardPackerFan #DHPF #GregGoshaw @gg901
