The Detroit Lions not only crushed the Green Bay Packers’ dreams of a playoff run but also Aaron Rodgers’ dreams of going out with a win at Lambeau Field. While the Lions also don’t get a chance at the playoffs, with that 20-16 win over the Packers, they now end the season with a winning record.
What an absolute whirlwind of a game and an end to a season. It was a slow start for both teams with nothing but field goals scored in the first half of the game, but when it was time to kick it into gear, only one team prevailed.
Here are my takeaways from today’s game:
Defensive Dominance
The Lions’ defense understood the assignment coming into this game. They were literally the reason the Lions were able to stay in the game. Several defensive players had phenomenal games, but I can’t say enough about Aidan Hutchinson and Kerby Joseph.
Kerby Joseph had many close calls for interceptions before he would finally get one late in the fourth quarter. The last time these two teams met, Joseph recorded two interceptions. He now ups his total to three interceptions against Aaron Rodgers.
Aidan Hutchinson was the star of the show yet again. He came into this game hot and ready to go. The rookie recorded two sacks in the first half of the game to up his career total to 9.5. He ended the game with four total tackles including two sacks for a loss of 17 yards.
Late Surge for the Offense
Jared Goff and the offense had a slow start to this game. They barely moved the ball in the first half and culminated only two field goals. They turned it around in the third quarter when Goff threw an absolute dime 43 yards down the field to Kalif Raymond. Jamaal Williams would then rush it in for the Lions’ first touchdown and first lead of the game.
Williams would go on to score another touchdown in the fourth quarter to pass the goat, Barry Sanders, for the most single-season rushing touchdowns in franchise history with 17. While that is a huge accomplishment, it wasn’t his only accomplishment of the day. The running back had 16 carries for 72 yards, surging him to 1,066 total rushing yards, breaking 1,000 for the first time in his career. What an absolute day for Williams as he faced his old teammates on his old home turf.
We the #DetroitLions stop playing with us! Dont let these tears fool ya it’s all DOG around this mug! #DETvsGB #Onepride pic.twitter.com/OaYS8NsYCp
— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) January 9, 2023
What Happens Now
With a win against the Green Bay Packers, the Lions stopped them from getting them to the playoffs and allowed the Seattle Seahawks to keep their season going.
Congratulations to the Detroit Lions on their first winning season since 2017.
Photo credit Tork Mason / USA TODAY NETWORK
Maddy Miller – Detroit Lions Beat Reporter
On Twitter: @madelynvmillerr
