The Green Bay Packers failed to capitalize on the momentum they created in the fourth quarter of their Week 3 comeback victory over the New Orleans Saints, and got blown out of the water against the Detroit Lions.
In the end, the 34-20 final score indicated a game much closer than it actually was. Detroit led by three scores for most of the game after taking a 24-3 lead early in the second quarter. They controlled the entire game and didn’t allow Green Bay to crawl back into it like the Packers did the previous week.
Ultimately, it was a statement game for the Lions, who are trying to seize control of the NFC North. They improved to 3-1, holding the division lead over the Packers (2-2), Minnesota Vikings (0-3), and Chicago Bears (0-3).
Here are five winners and losers from the Green Bay Packers blowout loss in Lambeau Field at the hands of the Detroit Lions in Week 4.
As we recap the Packers’ loss, let’s check out five winners and losers from their Week 4 blowout loss at the hands of the Lions.
Packers Loser: Matt LaFleur and Coaching Staff
Head coach Matt LaFleur got outcoached for at least the second straight game against the Lions. Detroit was more physical on both sides of the ball and dominated the line of scrimmage. This greatly impacted Green Bay’s ability to accomplish its game plan. LaFleur, defensive coordinator Joe Barry and special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia need to take a long, hard look in the mirror and figure out how they will improve their team moving forward.
Packers Loser: Royce Newman and Entire Offensive Line
According to PFF, Royce Newman was the Packers’ lowest-graded player from the Lions game. He gave up five pressures, including one sack, and was equally worse in the running game. However, he was far from the sole problem as Josh Myers (two pressures and a sack), Zach Tom (six pressures), Jon Runyan (five pressures and a sack) and Rasheed Walker (four pressures and two sacks) all struggled. It’s going to be a rough film session for them.
Packers Loser: Tackling
The Packers’ bad tackling reared its ugly head once again, as they were horrible in that department. Guys were flying all over the place, badly missing tackles and sometimes showing little interest in the matter. They missed a whopping 13 tackles, led by Devonte Wyatt with four.
Packers Winner: Romeo Doubs
Romeo Doubs paced the Packers with nine receptions for 95 yards on 13 targets. He’s been a consistent receiver for Green Bay to start the year and has helped carry the load as Aaron Jones and Christian Watson have missed time. Through four games, he’s on pace for 85 receptions for 952 yards and nearly 13 touchdowns.
Packers Winner: Anders Carlson
After all of the ups and downs in training camp and preseason, who would’ve thought that Anders Carlson would be perfect on field goals and extra points four games into the season? He made both of his field goals on Thursday Night, including a 50-yarder toward the end of the game. He’s five-for-five on field goals this year, including two fifty-yarders and is nine-for-nine on PATs.