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Even days after the Detroit Lions’ triumph against the Green Bay Packers, the atmosphere in Michigan remains electrified.
The Lions of the 2022-23 season concluded their campaign with an unforgettable display that will be cherished by their loyal supporters for generations to come.
The victory in Detroit served as a significant step forward for the franchise, suggesting that under Dan Campbell’s leadership, the team is finally making progress in overcoming its previous challenges.
The victory also possibly hinted at a shift in power within the NFC North, a division that the Packers have dominated with eight wins since 2011.
In Sunday’s victory, the Lions defied five historical setbacks that had previously doomed them. Could this triumph mark the beginning of a new era in the Lions’ history?
The Detroit Lions may have ended Aaron Rodgers’ career
Aaron Rodgers’ perpetual torment of the Detroit Lions may make it seem like he has been doing so for an eternity, and the truth is, he has.
After being selected in the 2005 draft, Rodgers assumed the role of the Green Bay starting quarterback in 2008.
Out of the numerous touchdown passes he has thrown throughout his career, a significant portion were completed against the Lions. Prior to Week 18, his record against Detroit stood at 18 wins and 7 losses.
There were moments when it seemed as though Rodgers alone had caused irreparable harm to Detroit’s franchise.
In Green Bay, the Lions potentially bid farewell to Rodgers forever on Sunday.
Rodgers completed 17 out of 27 passes for a total of 205 yards. Although he displayed glimpses of his exceptional deep-ball skills against the Lions, he fell short of his usual excellence.
Rodgers was subjected to seven hits by Detroit, with rookie Aidan Hutchinson successfully sacking him twice.
Lions fans will undoubtedly recall that Rodgers’ last pass in the game resulted in an interception. Kerby Joseph, a rookie safety, successfully intercepted Rodgers for the third time this season. This feat has only been achieved by one other player in their career, Brian Urlacher.
The individual who claimed that one cannot be defeated by “that team” might be surprised to learn that it was, in fact, them who potentially brought an end to Rodgers’ career. Following the unfortunate loss, Rodgers left the field with a heavy heart, finding solace in the comforting embrace of his longtime companion, Randall Cobb. This poignant moment could possibly indicate the conclusion of his tenure in Green Bay, or even his entire NFL journey.
Dan Campbell led the Lions to a win at Lambeau Field
Although Rodgers has accumulated a significant amount of history against the Lions, Lambeau Field boasts an even greater amount.
Regardless of the quarterback, Green Bay had a strong record of winning at home. Whether it was Aaron Rodgers, Brett Favre, Don Majkowski, or even Matt Flynn (except for that unfortunate game against Seattle).
Prior to last Sunday’s matchup, Detroit had a poor record of 27 wins, 62 losses, and 4 ties in road games at Green Bay. At one stage, they endured a staggering streak of 24 consecutive losses at Lambeau Field.
Before the second half of the season, only away games posed a problem. Campbell had been unsuccessful in winning his initial 12 away games as the head coach of the Lions.
Despite the cold, the Lions persevered and demonstrated the tenacity that Campbell had emphasized when he was initially introduced as the coach.
The presence of a dedicated group of Lions fans on the trip greatly contributed to their remarkable victory.
The Detroit Lions won on Sunday Night Football
As Week 18 approached, there was a prevailing narrative that the Lions would revert to their old ways and falter under the spotlight.
The Lions were not used to the 1 p.m. slate all season, so playing on national television in a primetime game brought a different experience.
The Lions and Campbell were expected to struggle in the face of high expectations from national pundits and distraught fans. The team’s track record in NBC Sunday Night Football games, with just one win out of six, along with two playoff losses in NBC Saturday night games, did not inspire confidence.
However, the Lions remained steady and continued with their usual approach. Despite falling behind early, they remained calm and composed. They managed to regain the lead, even though they eventually lost it, and still maintained their composure.
In a crucial moment, with the game outcome hanging in the balance and only 1 yard to go on 4th down at the Green Bay 15-yard line, the Detroit team displayed remarkable composure. Jared Goff swiftly executed a precise throw to D.J. Chark, securing a first down and decisively proving to the entire nation that the Lions were rewriting their story.
Lions overcame backbreaking penalties
If you engage in a conversation with a Lions fan, they will readily provide you with an extensive catalogue of penalties and calls that have hindered the franchise throughout the past three decades.
To mention only a couple:
- The process
- In the 2015 playoffs, a flag was initially thrown against the Dallas Cowboys for pass interference, but it was later picked-up.
- In Seattle, Kam Chancellor skillfully swats a fumble out of the end zone.
- The controversial facemask penalty called on Rodgers, which ultimately resulted in the unforgettable Miracle in Motor City.
- There were two instances during Monday Night Football, Green Bay versus Trey Flowers, where he was penalized for putting his hands to the face, although it seemed unclear and questionable.
Being a Lions fan has always been rooted in the frustration of bad calls or missed calls.
The Lions’ missed opportunities to secure victory in the game often go unnoticed, as it is more convenient to place blame on the referees.
The Lions appeared to have that luxury once more on Sunday.
During the second quarter, the Lions executed a flea-flicker play, leading to a remarkable 66-yard touchdown pass from Goff to rookie Jameson Williams. Unfortunately, the score was invalidated due to a holding penalty.
During the third quarter, Rodgers made a pass that got intercepted by none other than Kerby Joseph. Joseph managed to advance the ball to the 24-yard line of Green Bay. Unfortunately, the play was invalidated due to a penalty for hands to the face.
The Lions teams of the past, commonly referred to as ‘SOL teams’, would have allowed those penalties to overcome them. They would have displayed a defeated attitude, thinking “here we go again.”
However, Campbell refuses to accept any excuses from his team. They remained focused on their tasks and discovered strategies to halt their opponents and accumulate points. Once again, they completely transformed the prevailing storyline.
The Packers, not the Lions, made massive mental mistakes
The Lions have been haunted by mental mistakes over the course of several years.
However, on Sunday, it was the Lions who allowed the Packers to defeat themselves.
The Lions were able to score points thanks to Green Bay’s perplexing decisions made throughout the game.
Just before halftime, the Lions were preparing for a 48-yard field goal while trailing 9-3. Prior to this, Michael Badgley had already failed to make a 46-yard attempt earlier in the game.
During the team lineup, Rasul Douglas from Green Bay made his way through the offensive and defensive lines, swiftly snatching the ball from the center.
After the whistles blew and a few collisions occurred, Douglas directed a blow towards a Lions player, resulting in a 15-yard penalty. This penalty facilitated Badgley’s attempt at a 33-yard field goal, making it much easier for him to successfully score and bringing the halftime score to 9-6.
The even more foolish error occurred during the Lions’ drive for the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter.
During a pass reception, D’Andre Swift sustained an injury and required immediate medical assistance. While the Lions’ medical staff was on their way to provide aid, one of the trainers had to navigate past Green Bay’s Quay Walker.
Afterwards, Walker made the choice to forcefully push the trainer from behind. The trainer, bewildered, turned to confront Walker and unexpectedly received a shoulder shove from Devonte Wyatt, the rookie from Green Bay.
After penalizing Walker and ejecting him from the game, the refs awarded Detroit the ball at the Green Bay 4-yard line. Following three plays, Jamaal Williams successfully scored a touchdown, securing the lead for the Lions.
Campbell’s aggressive and hard-nosed style has not compromised discipline, which is a promising indication for the Lions as they approach the offseason with more momentum than they have seen in decades.
Additionally, this serves as further evidence that SOL might become obsolete in the future.
