Detroit Lions settle for field goals, lose to Packers Monday Night

The Detroit Lions settled for field goals all night long, and it cost them in a crushing 23-22 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Monday Night Football.

It’s often said that you don’t beat quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers by kicking field goals. The Detroit Lions put that theory to the test on Monday night and paid the price.

Mason Crosby kicked the game-winning 23-yard field goal as time expired, giving the Green Bay Packers a 23-22 victory over the Lions in a critical NFC North showdown on Monday night. The loss drops the Lions to 2-2-1 while the Packers sit atop the division at 5-1.

Matt Prater kicked five field goals for the Lions, as their offense continually stalled in Green Bay territory. Matthew Stafford finished 18/32 throwing for Detroit with no touchdowns or interceptions. The Lions forced three Packers turnovers, but could not take advantage with touchdowns.

Lions defensive lineman Trey Flowers was called for two illegal hands to the face penalties in the fourth quarter, both seeming to be very questionable upon replay. Regardless, the first infraction allowed the Packers to prolong a drive, with quarterback Aaron Rodgers finding backup receiver Allen Lazard on a 35-yard touchdown throw, to pull Green Bay within two points at 22-20.

Flowers’ second penalty gave the Packers a first down deep in Lions territory, and the ability to run time down to the final seconds, with the Lions out of timeouts and unable to stop the clock. Crosby hit the chip shot game-winner, sending the Lions off to the locker room with nothing but a heartbreaking loss and plenty of regrets.

The Lions got off to an explosive start, connecting on a 66-yard reception to receiver Kenny Golladay off of a flea-flicker on their first play from scrimmage. They stalled in the red zone however and had to settle for a Prater field goal.

The Packers moved into Lions territory on their second drive before defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson jarred the ball loose from running back Aaron Jones. Lions linebacker Christian Jones recovered, and the Lions marched right back into the red zone. However, rookie T.J. Hockenson dropped a sure touchdown grab, and the Lions had to settle for another field goal.

The Lions forced the Packers into what seemed to be a short field goal attempt on their next drive. However, a costly too many men on the field penalty gave Green Bay a new set of downs, and they capped their 14-play drive with a 5-yard touchdown reception by running back Jamaal Williams.

Golladay led the Lions with 121 yards on five catches with Kerryon Johnson adding just 34 yards on the ground to lead Detroit. Rodgers finished 24/39 for 283 yards, two touchdowns and one interception for Green Bay.

The Lions return to action next Sunday, October 20th at 1:00 P.M. EST in another critical divisional matchup when they host the Minnesota Vikings.