The Detroit Lions thought they were ready for the BIG TIME. Thursday’s 27-15 loss to the Green Bay Packers proved otherwise.
The game got off to a slow start, but the Packers once again took control in the third quarter and took the wind out of the sail of the Lions.
Aaron Rodgers threw for 307 yards and two touchdowns and the Packers defense picked off Matthew Stafford three times in the win.
Green Bay lost starting linebackers Desmond Bishop and A.J. Hawk to calf strains in the game, but reserves D.J. Smith and Robert Francois came to the rescue. Smith recorded four tackles and Francois had one of the three Packer interceptions.
Defensive back Tramon Williams also did a number on Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson. Johnson finished with 4 receptions for 49 yards, but only one of them (for 5 yards) was charged to Williams.
Two players were ejected in the game. Green Bay’s Pat Lee went first, retaliating to some rough treatment from the Lions that could easily have been flagged. When it wasn’t, Lee’s frustration showed, leading to his ejection. But Lee’s departure is nothing to the Lions losing Ndamukong Suh after he was tossed for pushing lineman Evan Dietrich-Smith’s helment into the turf and then stomping on him with his foot.
Suh’s explanation after the game didn’t come anywhere close to matching what was on film and he should be suspended for his action. Suh is a repeat offender and his lack of remorse should tell the commissioner’s office that this player is out of control.
The Lions could certainly take action into their own hands. Coach Jim Schwartz should suspend Suh for at least one-game, before the league gets their hands on him. Schwartz needs to not only show Suh that his conduct is unacceptable, but he needs to show the rest of his team that he’s the man in charge and this kind of activity will not be tolerated. Suh hurt his team Thursday and whatever penalty is handed down will likely hurt them again.
For the Packers, they’ve won 17-straight games dating back to last season. The 11-straight to start this year is an all-time franchise record.
The NFC North Division title is now in their sites, and so is home field advantage throughout the playoffs. If the Packers can get by the Giants in New York a week from Sunday, don’t be surprised if they run the table.