The Green Bay Packers put together one of their most embarrassing first-half performances in years. They were completely outplayed in all three phases.
Green Bay enters halftime with 21 total yards compared to Detroit's 284. The Packers are averaging one yard per play. They trail the Lions 27-3 and, honestly, they are lucky the margin isn't far greater.
An 18-point fourth-quarter performance last week shifted the focus away from the Packers' previous scoreless four quarters. Their only three points came after a Rudy Ford interception tonight.
While there is blame to be shared around, a lot falls on Matt LaFleur. And it starts with the lack of opportunities for running back Aaron Jones.
Packers fans are fuming at Matt LaFleur for not giving Aaron Jones the ball
Aaron Jones is healthy. Well, healthy enough to play this week. Someone didn't tell Matt LaFleur, who barely used his Pro Bowl running back. By the time he did, it was already too late.
Jones had two first-half carries. Two. If he's not healthy, he shouldn't be active. If he is, get him the football. Packers fans are understandably angry.
Aaron Jones gets the ball for the first time when the Packers are down 24-3.
— Andy Herman (@AndyHermanNFL) September 29, 2023
Nice of Matt to get Aaron Jones his first touch down 21
— Justis Mosqueda (@JuMosq) September 29, 2023
2 touches for Aaron Jones in the first half.
— GolfSznMike (@Macattack1189) September 29, 2023
1 (one) first down for the Packers in the half.
Well done Matt LaFleur
Hey Matt LaFleur. Aaron Jones is active tonight. Not sure if you knew.
— Wisconsin Family (@Wisconsin_fam) September 29, 2023
This isn't the first time a Matt LaFleur team has come out looking like they didn't know which sport they were playing.
— Elisha Twerski (@ElishaTwerski) September 29, 2023
Good thing Matt LaFleur still had two TOs in his holster. Maybe he can cash them in for some gift cards??!! #Packers
— Rob Reischel (@robreischel) September 29, 2023
Matt LaFleur has a lot to answer for with this game
— David Zimmer (@DavidZimmer16) September 29, 2023
LaFleur has a lot of questions to answer. With the Packers down by 24 points, it would take a miracle to overturn the deficit and win. Anything can happen, as we saw a week ago when the Packers fought back from 17-0 down in the fourth quarter.
More than anything, the Packers need to show fight. Win or lose.
They were outplayed in the first half, and the rest of the game can go one of two ways. Either the Packers show character and 'win' the second half, or the embarrassment turns into complete humilation in front of a national audience.
It all goes back to the head coach. It's over to Matt LaFleur.