Packers’ Matt LaFleur sends a stern message to players during a painful defeat to the Lions

The Green Bay Packers suffered a heartbreaking loss to the Detroit Lions on Thursday night. Dan Campbell’s gutsy coaching helped the Lions win 11 consecutive games, setting a team record. Detroit advanced to 12-1 this season with a 34-31 win over Green Bay in Week 14.

Matt LaFleur reacted sharply to the Packers’ disappointing loss to their NFC North rivals. Green Bay’s head coach informed the squad they’d “have to earn the right to potentially come back here,” according to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky on X. Despite the evident disappointment, LaFleur stated, “I believe we have a good football team.”

The Packers (9-4) are a solid football team. The Lions just happen to be slightly better than them. Detroit is now 2-0 versus Green Bay this season, as the Packers fell 24-14 at home to the Lions in Week 9.

Detroit controlled the first half, with Jordan Love having the worst start of his career. Love was 3/7 for 31 scoreless yards at halftime, and the Lions led 17-7.

Matt LaFleur’s Packers suffered a crushing setback in Detroit.

Nov 28, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur reacts to an official’s non-call in the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field.Dan Powers-Images

The fifth-year passer heated up in the second half, ending with 206 yards and a score. Running back Josh Jacobs led the Packers’ offense on Thursday night. The All-Pro RB has three running touchdowns against the Lions.

Despite Jacobs’ efforts, Detroit was too much for Green Bay to overcome. Lions wideout Tim Patrick scored his first touchdown in three years, giving the club the lead in the third quarter. He loved his journey to the end zone so much that he returned for more, grabbing a second touchdown in the fourth quarter to give Detroit a 31-28 advantage.

Ultimately, Campbell’s unwavering belief in his men earned the victory. With 43 seconds remaining, the Lions’ coach chose to go for it on fourth-and-1 from the Packers’ 20-yard line. Detroit picked up the first down, ran out the clock, and kicked the game-winning field goal as time expired.

Green Bay is ranked third in a highly competitive category. Nonetheless, the squad remains in contention for playoff play. The Packers are presently the sixth seed in the NFC, earning the second Wild Card slot. However, based on LaFleur’s postgame comments, it’s clear that the coach feels the route to the Super Bowl leads via Detroit. The Packers may return to Detroit, but it remains to be seen if they can defeat the Lions.