5 biggest takeaways from Packers’ loss to Lions in Week 9

Defense deserves credit

For all of their offensive struggles, the Packers deserve credit for their defensive performance.

The Lions have dominated offensively at Ford Field this season, averaging 35.75 points per game in their four home games entering Week 9.

They put up 35 points against the Philadelphia Eagles, 36 versus the Washington Commanders, 45 against the Seattle Seahawks, and 27 in their loss to the Miami Dolphins.

But the Packers held Detroit to only 15 points. That’s a game-winning performance from Joe Barry’s unit. A team with Aaron Rodgers shouldn’t lose many games when the defense allows only 15 points.

The Packers allowed only 137 passing yards to Jared Goff, who threw two touchdown passes but also an interception to Jaire Alexander. Detroit averaged just 3.8 yards per rush attempt, another improvement for Green Bay.

It wasn’t perfect. Green Bay allowed six of 11 third downs to be converted, while Detroit also went two of three in the red zone. The Packers also didn’t make a sack.

However, the bottom line is they restricted the Lions to 15 points. You can’t ask for any more than that.

Allow only 15 points every week, and the Packers should win every time. Unfortunately, with this offense, it’s simply not a reality often enough.

This loss isn’t on the defense.