Stay in the game:
Packers Put Lions in Their Place
September 8, 2025
The Lions knew they would have some change heading into 2025, but I’m not sure everyone thought it would quite look like this. Of course, it’s never a good thing when you lose both of your coordinators, three starting linemen and more. But, with Dan Campbell at the helm, the feeling was that things would remain relatively close to the same. The other factor that didn’t come into play until kickoff was how much Green Bay has been closing the gap.
Detroit came out on offense and tried their best to feed Jahymr Gibbs, Time after time, Gibbs would lose yards or be thrown down after a minimal gain. What was strange, though, was that David Montgomery didn’t see the field until roughly two minutes remaining in the first quarter. Gibbs was fed the first two drives and there seemed to be a clear intent to force him to take over the backfield. Montgomery finally came in and had some success in the short yardage game, but the Pack were on another level in this one. It wasn’t just the running game where Detroit struggled, the passing game was constantly disrupted as well. It seemed as though every yard was fought and clawed for. The NFL’s 2024 top scoring offense wouldn’t reach the endzone until their final meaningless drive of the game.
The Packers started out a little rough on the ground with Jacobs only accounting for 8 total yards for most of the first half, if not all of it. However, Jordan Love was having so much success with his weapons, it was hardly noticeable (unless you’re a Jacobs fantasy owner). They slowly built a lead and really blew the door open with a Jacobs touchdown run in the second half. Defensively, the Lions had no answer for the Packers. Goff looked confused, missed a lot of throws, constantly had pressure in his face and even gave up a gigantic “welcome to Green Bay” sack to Micah Parsons which the entire stadium ate up, soaking in the moment.
A few years ago – Detroit went into Lambeau already eliminated from playoff contention, and Green Bay needed the win to get in. The Lions won that game with seemingly nothing to play for and it felt like they claimed the division in that moment. It was announcing their arrival while ending the Rodgers era. Week 1 felt similar to that. It was as if the Pack said that they hoped their little brother enjoyed their fun but it was time for the big kids to play again. You could feel the power and control shifting. We learned that Green Bay could be one scary team in 2025 and Detroit is going to need to figure things out, fast.
Keith, Author
Keith runs youth flag football leagues by day, and by night he hosts the podcast and writes articles with the confidence of a man who’s been rushing quarterbacks since dial-up. A longtime flag football DE and lifelong Falcons fan, he’s no stranger to heartbreak and enjoys watching the bears get slaughtered each week. Equal parts coach, critic, and chaos, Keith calls it like he sees it… even if it hurts.
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