The Detroit Lions indicated all week they were not overly concerned with their playoff fate, due to the significance of the game against the Green Bay Packers.
Detroit’s young roster was intent on finishing the season winning eight of its last 10 games, producing a winning record and eliminating its division rival from postseason play.
After perceived disrespect from quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the Lions marched into Lambeau Field, and earned a close victory to conclude Dan Campbell’s second season at the helm.
Rookie safety Kerby Joseph intercepted Rodgers for the third time in 2022, capping off a come-from-behind win that delivers Detroit a winning record this season.
Here are five takeaways from the Lions’ 20-16 victory against the Packers.
Lions’ penalties were costly
It would have been natural for there to be some level of disappointment for Detroit’s young roster, especially after battling all season for a chance to make the playoffs.
But, true to form, the Lions battled from the opening whistle.
The Lions’ defense came out hitting and forcing Aaron Rodgers to make quick throws.
Linebacker Alex Anzalone, who led the team this season in tackles, forced a turnover on downs when he stuffed Packers wideout Allen Lazard in the first quarter.
The Lions’ offense settled for a field goal to tie the game, 3-3, after starting with prime field position on the Packers’ 31-yard line.
Unfortunately, the penalties became too costly in the finale.
The Lions could have sparked some momentum when a trick play resulted in a touchdown for rookie wideout Jameson Williams in the second quarter. Unfortunately, the flea-flicker was called back, due to a holding penalty against offensive lineman Matt Nelson.
Rookie safety Kerby Joseph could have secured an interception late in the third quarter, too. However, the play was negated, after defensive lineman John Cominsky was called for an illegal hands-to-the-face penalty.
Lions’ offense struggled to get into rhythm early
The Lions struggled early in the game rushing the football on both first and second down.
Green Bay’s defense made a concerted effort to limit the effectiveness of Detroit’s rushing attack.
It appeared the team struggled in the first quarter to adapt to the elements, as the Lions’ offense only recorded one first down and were 0-for-3 on third down in the first quarter.
Fortunately, the Packers gave the Lions extra opportunities in the first half to stay in the game.
Running back Aaron Jones fumbled the football that was recovered by the Lions.
Detroit took advantage of another mistake then — a personal foul call on cornerback Rasul Douglas — moving the football 15 yards closer for kicker Michael Badgley. Detroit cut Green Bay’s lead to three, 9-6, heading into halftime.
Aidan Hutchinson caps off stellar rookie season with multi-sack performance
With his first quarter sack of Rodgers, rookie Aidan Hutchinson upped his 2022 total to 8.5 sacks, which represents the second-most a Lions rookie has ever recorded in their debut season.
The No. 2 overall pick recorded his second sack of the game early in the second quarter, forcing the Packers into their third field-goal attempt of the game.
Detroit’s talented rookie class now have combined for 20.5 sacks this year, a new NFL record for combined sacks from a team’s rookie corps.
Kalif Raymond gave Lions’ offense momentum
After struggling in the first half, Detroit scored their first touchdown of the game midway through the second-quarter.
Goff, who struggled with accuracy in the first half, connected deep on a 43-yard pass to wideout Kalif Raymond.
All season, the veteran wideout has been Detroit’s unsung hero, as he has excelled at special teams and has more involved in the offense this season.
Jamaal Williams easily scored on the next play from one-yard out to give Detroit a 13-9 lead.
Jamaal Williams caps off stellar 2022 season with multiple touchdowns
From the start of the 2022 season, Williams has been the Lions’ emotional leader.
His passionate speech delivered during training camp was featured on “Hard Knocks”. Also, the 27-year-old did not shy away from becoming emotional when needed.
In the finale, Williams, who had earlier in the Week 18 contest tied Barry Sanders’ single-season franchise rushing touchdown record, gave the Lions a late 20-16 lead midway through the fourth quarter.
His 17 rushing scores are now a record that could stand for the foreseeable future.
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