The Green Bay Packers’ defense struggled in critical late-game situations during Thursday’s 34-31 loss to the Detroit Lions, who have the league’s top-ranked offense (32.1 PPG).
Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley must address these lapses and tighten the unit’s performance in Week 15 at the Seattle Seahawks and in the final three games of the season against the New Orleans Saints (home), Minnesota Vikings (away) and Chicago Bears (home).
“I think there are some areas where we can really look at this where we have to improve upon,” Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said following the loss. “Offensively and defensively, the third and fourth down was probably the difference in the game.”
Green Bay defensive tackle Kenny Clark put a positive spin on the loss, telling reporters, per ESPN.com’s Rob Demovsky: “[The Lions] are not a team that we’re scared of by any means.”
Several elements, especially in the second half, played a role in Green Bay’s downfall.
In its final four drives, Detroit total 201 yards and scored 17 points. Quarterback Jared Goff completed 18 of 20 passes during the drives and threw for two touchdowns. Green Bay’s inability to pressure Goff (one sack) gave him ample time in the pocket.
With a 28-24 lead in the fourth quarter, the Green Bay defense failed to get a critical stop. The Lions’ ability to convert on third and fourth downs was instrumental in maintaining their drive. Overall, Detroit converted 7-of-15 times on third down and 4-of-5 times on fourth down.
With 2:01 left, the Lions were at Green Bay’s 37-yard line, facing a 3rd-and-7. A short pass to Jahmyr Gibbs on the left side secured a first down, exacerbating the Packers’ difficulties.
After two critical plays — a false start that moved the Lions back to Green Bay’s 40-yard line for a 1st-and-20 and a three-yard rush by David Montgomery for a 2nd-and-17 — the Packers conceded a 16-yard pass to Amon-Ra St. Brown across the middle of the field, following a Packers timeout that halted the clock.
With only 43 seconds left and the Lions at the Packers’ 21-yard line, Detroit faced a fourth down with inches to go. Opting against a field goal, Detroit head coach Dan Campbell attempted the conversion. The successful play allowed Detroit to run down the clock and kick the winning field goal as time expired.
The final drive used all 3:38 left on the clock over a span of 11 plays. Detroit’s proficiency on fourth down was a key element in the victory.
