Rapid Rewind: Packers make statement, throttling Lions in season opener
Green Bay, Wisc. — Whether it was the Green Bay Packers’ addition of Micah Parsons, the Detroit Lions struggling to adapt to new coordinators or its reconfigured offensive line, or a combination of all those factors, the Packers looked every bit the division favorite in Sunday's season opener, plowing through the two-time defending NFC North champion Lions at Lambeau Field, 27-13.
The Packers set the tone early, driving 83 yards for a touchdown on the game’s opening possession, converting a trio of third downs during the march. By halftime, they had extended their lead to two touchdowns, thanks to a quick-strike, two-play drive that ate up 65 yards in just 53 seconds.
Detroit, which has been among the league leaders in red-zone conversions the past three seasons, couldn’t find the end zone with its first three trips inside the 20, settling for two field goals and turning it over on an interception in the closing minutes of the first half.
The Lions finally worked across the goal line in the game’s closing minute when rookie Isaac TeSlaa hauled in a remarkable one-handed grab on fourth down for a 13-yard touchdown.
The loss snaps the Lions’ three-game winning streak in Green Bay.
Game ball
No Lions player deserved a game ball. We're forced to give it to Packers quarterback Jordan Love, who completed 16-of-22 for 188 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.
Scoring summary
First quarter
● 9:26 — Taking the opening kickoff, the Packers drove 83 yards on 12 plays. The home team converted on all three of its third-down plays, including a 15-yard touchdown pass from Love to Tucker Kraft on third-and-9. Running a post pattern, the tight end beat the coverage of linebacker Jack Campbell. PACKERS 7, LIONS 0
● 3:58 — Taking over near midfield after a Lions punt, the Packers worked into field goal range with a 26-yard, third-down pass to Jayden Reed. Facing third-and-3 in the red zone, Love took an end-zone shot to Romeo Doubs. However, tight coverage by Terrion Arnold forced the incompletion, leaving the Packers to take a short Brandon McManus field goal to extend their early lead. PACKERS 10, LIONS 0
Second quarter
● 9:27 — A methodical 16-play drive for Detroit stalls in the red zone when Jared Goff can’t find an open receiver. Instead of going for it on fourth-and-5 from the Packers’ 12-yard line, the Lions take the three, a 30-yarder for Jake Bates, to get on the board. PACKERS 10, LIONS 3
● 8:34 — A two-play response for the Packers. Arnold was victimized in coverage on both, giving up a 48-yard bomb to Romeo Dobbs before the second-year cornerback got picked on a rub route, generating separation for Reed on a wheel route from the slot, resulting in a 17-yard touchdown. PACKERS 17, LIONS 3
Third quarter
● 9:40 — A third trip into the red zone again ends without a touchdown for the Lions. Sam LaPorta came up with two grabs for 48 yards. However, with first-and-goal from the 10, the Lions went backward and settled for a Bates field goal to only put a dent in Green Bay’s lead. PACKERS 17, LIONS 6
Fourth quarter
● 7:57 — Benefitting from another short field, the Packers drove 36 yards on eight plays with running back Josh Jacobs doing most of the damage, gaining 28 yards and scoring from 3 yards out. PACKERS 24, LIONS 6
● 4:22 — Taking over in Lions’ territory after a turnover on downs, the Packers didn’t net a first down but still came away with points on a 38-yard McManus field goal. PACKERS 27, LIONS 6
● 0:55 — With the game effectively out of reach, the Lions drove 65 yards in 13 plays, finally scoring a touchdown on a pretty one-handed grab by TeSlaa. The catch was initially ruled out of bounds, but overturned by replay review. PACKERS 27, LIONS 13
Turnovers
● Late in the first half, on a third-down snap in the red zone, Packers safety Evan Williams jumped a route intended for Amon-Ra St. Brown, making a diving interception to end Detroit’s scoring threat.
Key stats
● Unable to work the ball downfield all afternoon, Goff completed 31-of-39 for just 224 yards, one touchdown and an interception.
● Detroit’s vaunted ground game couldn’t get on track on Sunday. David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs combined for a paltry 44 yards on 20 carries (2.2 YPC).
● Gibbs paced Detroit with 10 receptions, but only gained 31 yards on the grabs. LaPorta’s six grabs generated a team-high 79 yards.
● Campbell led the Lions with nine tackles. The defense struggled to pressure Love all game and finished without a sack. Arnold recorded the team’s only pass defense.
Notable
● One play after Alex Anzalone dropped an interception in the third quarter, safety Brian Branch had a pick-six wiped out by a holding penalty committed by teammate Rock Ya-Sin. Aidan Hutchinson was also flagged for unnecessary roughness on the return.
Injuries
● Arnold suffered a groin injury late in the first half and was ruled out before the start of the fourth quarter.
Inactives
Running back Sione Vaki (hamstring), linebacker Trevor Nowaske (elbow), safety Thomas Harper, defensive tackle Chris Smith, defensive end Tyrus Wheat and defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo.
Next game
The Lions stay in the division, hosting former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears at Ford Field next Sunday at 1 p.m.
I didn’t hate the defense. The interior of the O-line gonna get Goff, Gibbs or Monty killed
Brian Branch is too smart a player to do that helmet crap. I hope Campbell gets nose-to-nose with him and inquires about his priorities. Getting your picture on the NFL's post office wall with Carter and Walker is not going to do anything positive for the team.