The Detroit Lions sure talked a lot of trash just to fall at their first playoff hurdle.
Detroit's stunning 45-31 home loss to the Washington Commanders provided the first major shock of the postseason, an upset even bigger than the Green Bay Packers' victory over the Dallas Cowboys last year.
Many might think Packers fans (and the rest of the NFC North, for that matter) would have sympathy for the Lions. They have never reached a Super Bowl and are finally enjoying success after years of disappointment.
Quite the opposite. Lions players have made it hard to root for them this season, from Amon-Ra St. Brown arriving at Lambeau Field wearing a "GreenBay Sucks" hoodie (yes, it was spelled incorrectly) to head coach Dan Campbell effectively predicting a Packers playoff loss on national TV.
Then there is Kerby Joseph, who had plenty to say about Packers tight end Tucker Kraft after the game in Detroit.
It turns out the Packers hadn't forgotten, specifically Xavier McKinney.
Xavier McKinney seemingly calls out safety Kerby Joseph after Lions' playoff exit
Earlier this month, McKinney posted a cryptic message on social media: "We are not the same."
It was unclear who he was referring to, but the timing was interesting: He posted it within a few hours of the AP All-Pro teams being announced. McKinney and Joseph were named the first-team safeties.
Following the Lions' embarrassing loss to the Commanders, McKinney seemingly left no doubt about who his message was intended for.
And like I said .. we not the SAME
— Xavier McKinney (@mckinney15__) January 19, 2025
McKinney didn't mention Joseph by name, but it sure looks like a shot at the Lions safety.
Joseph struggled against the Commanders, most notably on Terry McLaurin's 58-yard touchdown catch-and-run. Joseph struggled to keep up with him down the sideline, and McLaurin shrugged off his attempt to make a tackle.
There's understandably some competition between the two safeties. Both were among the best at their position this season, combining for 17 interceptions. McKinney was named a Pro Bowler for the NFC team, with Joseph surprisingly missing out.
Packers fans (and McKinney) will enjoy the Lions' stunning exit, but all three NFC North playoff teams enter the offseason with questions. Despite the Packers, Lions, and Minnesota Vikings combining for a 29-4 record against teams outside of the division in the regular season, they went 0-3 in the playoffs.
A lot will change between now and Week 1 of the 2025 season, but McKinney and Joseph will remain key starters for their respective teams. This rivalry is far from over.