Three takeaways from Packers’ loss to Lions in Week 18
Takeaways from the Packers’ Week 18 loss to the Lions.
For the first time in the Matt LaFleur era, the Green Bay Packers have lost to the Detroit Lions.
Fortunately, the game doesn’t make a difference to the standings as the Packers already have the NFC’s number one seed.
LaFleur pulled most of the starters out of the game at halftime, giving an opportunity to Jordan Love in the second half.
What did we learn from the game?
Another record for Davante Adams
Davante Adams set yet another record.
Despite only playing in the first half, Adams didn’t need much time to break Jordy Nelson’s franchise single-season record for receiving yards.
Adams finished yet another incredible season with 123 catches (franchise record) for 1,553 yards (franchise record) and 11 touchdowns.
Missed opportunity for Jordan Love
Jordan Love got valuable regular-season reps on Sunday, and that included two opportunities at game-winning drives in the final two minutes.
Down by four with 1:23 remaining, Love threw an interception. It set the Lions up in Packers territory and they would kick a field goal to make it a seven-point game. Green Bay still had time to either score a touchdown for the tie, or then go for two to win it.
Love had Equanimeous St. Brown wide open for what could’ve been a touchdown with a better throw. Instead it was incomplete. Two plays later, Love threw another interception to end the game.
Love finished 10/17 for 134 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.
Aaron Rodgers is ready for the playoffs
Matt LaFleur wanted Aaron Rodgers to maintain some rhythm this week, and he sure did that. Playing in only the first half, Rodgers finished 14/18 for 138 yards and two touchdowns.
Rodgers didn’t look limited by his toe injury, which he now has a week off to rest.
There was some risk to playing the starters, but it worked out for the Packers with Rodgers avoiding injury and putting in a good performance.
Rodgers finishes the regular season 366/531 for 4,115 yards and 37 touchdowns with just four interceptions. Phenomenal.