The Green Bay Packers suffered a tough loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 9, a game where they hoped to make a strong statement at home. Instead, the Lions took control at Lambeau Field, highlighting their standing in the NFC. While the Packers have shown they are a capable team, they fell short against a Lions squad that was playing its first outdoor game of the season, a factor that was supposed to work in Green Bay’s favor. This defeat left many wondering who was responsible for the disappointing outcome. Here are four key figures who likely share the blame for the Packers’ struggles against Detroit.
1. Jordan Love
Jordan Love’s performance was hindered by a groin injury he had been dealing with, which affected his play throughout the game. While he showed determination in getting on the field, his decision-making continued to be an issue. A key moment came when Love threw an easy interception to Lions safety Kerby Joseph, who returned it for a touchdown, shifting the momentum. This error expanded the Lions’ lead from seven to fourteen points, making it hard for the Packers to recover.
2. Dontayvion Wicks
Young receiver Dontayvion Wicks, who has been a promising playmaker for Green Bay, struggled significantly against the Lions. He failed to catch any of his three targets, dropping two passes, including a critical touchdown pass late in the game. This missed opportunity disrupted a long 11-play drive, ultimately costing the Packers a chance to stay competitive in the final minutes.
3. Matt LaFleur
Head coach Matt LaFleur’s conservative play-calling contributed to the Packers’ defeat. Some decisions stood out, such as punting after an intentional delay of game rather than attempting a field goal from a reasonable distance, choosing not to go for it on 4th-and-3 when trailing by 21 points, and opting for a field goal instead of an aggressive play. While the Lions pushed forward with a more assertive game plan, LaFleur’s conservative approach cost the Packers critical opportunities to close the gap.
4. Quay Walker
Linebacker Quay Walker struggled upon his return to the field, failing to make a positive impact. He frequently missed tackles, took poor angles, and allowed several completions in his coverage. His performance led to frustration among Packers fans, who criticized him for not living up to his first-round draft status. Given Eric Wilson’s recent solid play, the Packers might consider prioritizing Wilson over Walker moving forward.
In this divisional matchup, the Lions’ control and the Packers’ lack of execution ultimately led to a humbling loss, leaving Green Bay with several areas to address moving forward.
