Takeaways from Lions' 29-22 Loss to Packers

Lions fall to 8-3 on the 2023 season.

The Detroit Lions have not won on Thanksgiving since the 2016 season, when the Vikings were defeated 16-13. 

Detroit was seeking to end their six-game losing streak on Thanksgiving against an opponent they previously defeated earlier this season at Lambeau Field. 

Against Detroit, the Packers came in banged up, but still presented a formidable challenge to Detroit winning their eight consecutive NFC North division contest. 

In games that take place with short rest, it is often about discipline and being focused on the task at hand as the practice routine is much lighter than normal weeks. 

On Thursday, Detroit sent supporters home unhappy, as the Packers were able to with their fifth game of the season, securing a 29-22 victory at Ford Field. 

Here are several takeaways from the Lions' third loss of the season. 

Welcome return for Jayden Reed

The Packers did not waste time opening the scoring on Thanksgiving. 

After winning the opening coin toss and receiving the football, quarterback Jordan Love connected on a 53-yard deep shot to second-year wideout Christian Watson.

Not having safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson locking down the back end of the defense was clearly a hindrance, as the Lions struggled to limit what the Packers offense was calling in the passing game. 

Four plays later, Love connected with former Michigan State Spartans wideout Jayden Reed on a 10-yard touchdown reception. 

Despite a myriad of injuries, including to starting running back Aaron Jones, the Packers started strong and scored touchdowns on their first two offensive possessions. 

No idea how @jordan3love pulled this one off.

📺: #GBvsDET on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/N5H8NbZZUE pic.twitter.com/9FWhN9x95d

— NFL (@NFL) November 23, 2023

Sam LaPorta establishes his presence early

Detroit answered the Packers scoring drive quickly, marching down the field on their opening offensive possession. 

Rookie tight Sam LaPorta got his team into the red zone with a 31-yard reception. 

Detroit's 2023 second-round draft pick capped off the seven-play scoring drive with a seven-yard touchdown reception. 

LaPorta recorded 38 yards receiving on Detroit's opening offensive drive. 

Unfortunately, Riley Patterson missed the extra point, the first occasion he was unable to tack on the extra tally for his team this season. 

Goff was also able to get Jameson Williams involved early with a 13-yard third down conversion.

A TD for @Samlaporta's Thanksgiving debut 🙌#GBvsDET |📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/emjhvcx0rV

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) November 23, 2023

Lions' turnover woes continue 

For a second straight week, Jared Goff had issues with protecting the football.

Specifically, he fumbled the football on back-to-back possessions in the first quarter. With the two fumbles, Goff had committed five turnovers in his last five quarters of play.  

On the first Goff turnover, the Lions veteran signal-caller was stripped by the Packers' Rashan Gary. Green Bay safety Jonathan Owens proceeded to recover the fumble and return it for a 27-yard score. It gave the Packers a 20-6 advantage, after a failed PAT attempt by Anders Carlson, with 2:23 to play in the first quarter. 

After the second Goff fumble, Detroit's defense answered the bell, and came through with a crucial stop on fourth-and-1 on the Lions' 14-yard line. It kept the score at 20-6 going into the second quarter. 

Throughout the game, Detroit's veteran signal-caller was pressured and forced to scramble out of the pocket, as the offensive line had an uncharacteristic subpar performance. 

Lions answer after halftime

After a listless first half and a disastrous halftime show by hip hop artist Jack Harlow, the Lions' marched out in the third quarter and put together a stellar offensive drive. 

In the third quarter the past several weeks, the team has not been able to execute effectively on both sides of the football. 

Their performance this week was better after an extended halftime break. 

Against the Packers, Detroit was able to put together a seven-play, 72-yard touchdown drive that was capped off by a six-yard scamper by running back David Montgomery. 

Lions could not convert on fourth down, fake punt attempt flops. 

Campbell has not shied away from being aggressive, especially when there is an opportunity to keep or gain momentum throughout the course of a football game. 

Trailing 23-14, the Packers defense had forced Detroit's offense into a punt. 

Backed up on their own 23-yard line, Detroit's third-year head coach called for a fake punt. The snap went directly to Jalen Reeves-Maybin, but the special teams specialist was unable to secure the first down. 

The Packers made the Lions pay, as Love found Watson for a 16-yard touchdown that extended the lead to 29-14. 

The failed fake punt was part of the Lions' fourth down struggles. Normally solid in clutch situations, Detroit was 1-for-5 on fourth down conversion attempts Thursday.