Well, that was ugly. The Detroit Lions came into Lambeau Field on Sunday looking to defend their back-to-back NFC North titles, but instead they walked out looking like a team still figuring out who they are. The Green Bay Packers, now armed with new star pass rusher Micah Parsons, punched Detroit in the mouth early and never looked back, cruising to a 27-13 win in Week 1.
Green Bay Throws the First Punch
The Packers wasted no time setting the tone. After the Lions deferred, Jordan Love led an 83-yard opening drive that ended with a 15-yard touchdown to Tucker Kraft. By halftime, Detroit was already in a two-touchdown hole, thanks in part to Jared Goff throwing a brutal red-zone interception when it looked like the Lions were finally finding some rhythm.
And that was the story of the day. The Lions had three chances in the red zone before halftime. Instead of touchdowns, they came away with two Jake Bates field goals and that costly pick. For a team that’s been one of the league’s best inside the 20 the past three years, it was jarring to watch them stall out so often.
Offense Can’t Find Its Groove
John Morton’s debut as offensive coordinator didn’t inspire much confidence. Jared Goff completed a ton of passes, 31-of-39 for 224 yards, but most of it was dink-and-dunk stuff that never threatened the Packers downfield.
The run game? Non-existent. Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery combined for just 44 yards on 20 carries. Gibbs did catch 10 passes, but they only went for 31 yards. That’s not the explosive punch Detroit fans were hoping for.
At least rookie wideout Isaac TeSlaa gave fans something to cheer about (CLICK HERE TO SEE THE VIDEO). In the final minute, he pulled off a ridiculous one-handed touchdown grab to break up what would’ve been Detroit’s first game without a TD since 2022.
Defense Has No Answers
On the other side of the ball, things weren’t much better. The Lions’ defense couldn’t lay a finger on Jordan Love all game, not a single sack. Love looked calm, cool, and collected, finishing 16-of-22 for 188 yards and two touchdowns.
And while Micah Parsons didn’t rack up a sack in his Packers debut (Correction: Parsons did pick up a late sack), his presence was felt. Detroit’s offensive line looked overwhelmed trying to account for him, which only freed up everyone else.
To make matters worse, second-year corner Terrion Arnold left the game with a groin injury. And even when Detroit looked like it had finally caught a break, a Brian Branch pick-six, it was wiped out by penalties. That kind of day.
The Big Picture
So, where does this leave the Lions? It’s only Week 1, but there’s no sugarcoating this one, they got outplayed and outcoached. New coordinators John Morton and Kelvin Sheppard are going to be under the microscope after a sloppy debut, and the offensive line still looks like it needs time to gel.
Detroit’s three-game win streak in Green Bay is over, and their grip on the NFC North doesn’t feel nearly as tight as it did a week ago.
The Lions will try to bounce back next week at Ford Field against a familiar face, former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears. That game suddenly feels pretty important.
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