Looking Back, the Packers’ Loss to the Lions Was the Reality Check They Needed

 

Evan Siegle, packers.com

Well, that sucked. The Packers somehow managed to outgain the Detroit Lions and still lose this game. How was that made possible? Turnovers and dumb mistakes, stuff we’ve seen for multiple weeks now from the Packers. I know I’m not the first to say it, but I’ll repeat the message: the Packers don’t need to sound the alarm after this loss. This one was self-inflicted, plain and simple. The Packers are a good team and have proven that so far this season, considering they’re 6-3. This game was a big test, and the Packers weren’t quite ready yet. Thankfully, they get a second chance against the Lions this season to split the series. Hopefully, they’ll be healthier when that game comes around, too. It was clear the Packers missed Jaire Alexander and Evan Williams on defense, as Keisean Nixon got ripped apart in this game.

Not having a healthy quarterback and starting center hurts too. Jordan Love didn’t look like himself, playing with a backup center and a rookie left guard. These aren’t excuses, though. The Packers made three costly mistakes that essentially handed the Lions the game: a Jordan Love pick-six before halftime, a missed field goal, and an offsides penalty on fourth down in the red zone that resulted in a touchdown. All preventable plays. Let’s not forget the drops all day too, they were brutal. Love didn’t have his best game, but the Packers missed too many chances to extend drives on easily catchable balls. Josh Jacobs had a strong start, and it’s a shame it was wasted because of dumb mistakes.

Credit to the Lions for what they’ve built over the past few years. They’ve won the last three games in Lambeau and have turned into arguably the best team in the NFL. Their offense is a juggernaut. They’ve got Sonic and Knuckles in the backfield, Jared Goff playing flawlessly, and a loaded offensive line. Not to mention their defense, which keeps stepping up even without Aiden Hutchinson. Although Brian Branch is a scumbag for that hit on Bo Melton and should be in jail. Also, that hit on Jordan Love where James Houston wrapped up and twisted his ankle? Jail.

If there’s one thing Packers fans should be worried about if anything, it’s Jordan Love. No, I’m not worried about how good he is, I’m worried about his health and interceptions. Compared to last season, we haven’t seen the Jordan Love who was making all the right decisions while taking risks. Instead, we’re getting a blend of his early-season play and his end-of-season form from last year. It’s not his peak, he still makes a lot of great throws, but the interceptions are a bit much. I know Brett Favre threw a lot of picks, but at least he launched the ball downfield like a punt instead of a five-yard, half-hearted toss your grandma could intercept.

In hindsight, this loss was what the Packers needed. They were winning games, but making too many mistakes doing so. They had a chance to win this game, but they didn't lose to the Lions. They lost to themselves. Now it’s on to the bye week and preparation for the next game. It’s time for Matt LaFleur to rally the troops, keep the boys together, and move forward. Get healthy and bury the tape as they say.

 On the bright side, their next opponent is the Bears. The sky is falling in Chicago, as they basically quit on Sunday against the Cardinals. This is the perfect opportunity for a “get-right” game after the bye week and a chance to get healthy. Plus, this upcoming weekend is also free of Packers-induced anxiety. Enjoy the stress-free football, hate-watch some division rivals, and hope everyone loses.

Real Packer Fans Know🧀

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