Thanksgiving Tilt: Packers Outlast Lions in Division Clash
The Green Bay Packers opened their Thanksgiving matchup against the Detroit Lions with energy and rhythm, receiving the ball to start the game. Jordan Love wasted no time, connecting with Christian Watson for 16 yards on the first offensive play to set an early tone in Ford Field on this Holiday. After Josh Jacobs powered ahead on third-and-one to move the chains, Love found Romeo Doubs to set up another short-yardage situation. When the offense stalled on third-and-ten, veteran kicker Brandon McManus drilled a 45-yard field goal to put Green Bay up 3–0. The Packers defense responded with a strong opening series, highlighted by a sack from Xavier McKinney and Isaiah McDuffie to force a Detroit punt. The Lions then suffered an early blow as star receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown on its second drive, and on third-and-15, Micah Parsons and Kingsley Enagbare combined for another sack to stall Detroit’s drive.
With momentum shifting in the dome, the Packers offense found rhythm again as Jacobs converted a key third-and-two run into Lions territory. On fourth-and-two, Love connected with Dontayvion Wicks in the end zone for the game’s first touchdown, extending the lead to 10–0. Detroit countered quickly with a burst from Jahmyr Gibbs and a strike from Jared Goff to Tom Kennedy to set up first-and-goal. David Montgomery punched in the touchdown to pull Detroit within 10–7. Love continued his efficient rhythm, finding Watson on a diving third-down catch, then hitting Wicks and Luke Musgrave for chunk plays. On fourth-and-one at the three-yard line, Love delivered again, connecting with Doubs in the corner of the end zone to push the lead to 17–7. Detroit closed the half with urgency, as Goff hit Jameson Williams for a long touchdown, narrowing Green Bay’s advantage to 17–14 at halftime.
Detroit opened the second half with a strong drive but stalled at midfield, turning the ball over on downs after a key stop from Parsons. On the Packers’ first play of the half, Love launched a deep touchdown to Watson, extending the lead to 24–14. The Lions responded as Goff scrambled for 23 yards and Montgomery powered into the red zone before finding rookie Isaac TeSlaa for a touchdown, tightening the game to 24–21. Green Bay countered with big plays from Bo Melton and Wicks, leading to Wicks’ second touchdown of the afternoon. The Packers defense struggled at times against the run, but a critical fourth-down stop early in the fourth quarter protected their 31–21 lead. Green Bay’s next possession stalled, giving Detroit another chance with nine minutes remaining.
On the ensuing drive, Parsons brought down Goff again to set up second-and-18, though a costly penalty allowed Detroit to extend the possession. Goff hit Williams deep to set up another scoring opportunity, but Parsons delivered his fourth sack of the game on third down. The drive also brought a setback for Green Bay, as defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt was carted off with a leg injury. Jake Bates converted a field goal to make it 31–24 with time running low. Taking over with three minutes left, Love found Watson for a crucial first down entering the two-minute warning. On the final play of the game, Love hit Wicks again to seal the victory. The Packers improved to 8-3-1 on the season after their Thanksgiving win, now they turn their attention to another NFC North opponent coming up next week.
