Packers Flip the Script on Fourth Down, Out-Aggress the Aggressors in Statement Win Over Lions
On a day when the Lions were supposed to be the ones setting the tone with their trademark fourth-down swagger, it was the Green Bay Packers who took the wheel-and never let go. In a Thanksgiving showdown that had playoff implications and a divisional edge on the line, Green Bay went a perfect three-for-three on fourth down, turning gutsy calls into game-changing moments.
Detroit, known for living on the edge under Dan Campbell, came up empty on both of their fourth-down tries. That was the difference.
Let’s break down how the Packers flipped the narrative, play by play.
Second Quarter: LaFleur Leans In, Love Delivers
Green Bay’s offense came out of the gate a little sluggish, managing just a field goal in the first quarter. But early in the second, with the ball at Detroit’s 22-yard line and facing a fourth-and-two, Matt LaFleur made a decision that would set the tone for the rest of the afternoon: no field goal, no hesitation-go for it.
Jordan Love dropped back and took a shot down the right sideline. Dontayvion Wicks, matched up one-on-one, created just enough separation and hauled in a perfectly placed ball for a touchdown.
It was a gutsy throw, and Wicks took a shot but held on. That’s the kind of play that not only puts points on the board-it sends a message.
Detroit answered with a touchdown of their own to cut the lead to 10-7, but Love and company weren’t done.
Later in the quarter, Green Bay found themselves knocking on the door again-this time at the Lions’ 2-yard line, facing a fourth-and-one. LaFleur kept the offense on the field.
There was a hiccup-a false start that looked like it should’ve pushed them back five yards-but the officials granted a timeout just in time. After the reset, Love found Romeo Doubs on a sharp out route to the pylon.
Touchdown. Packers up 17-7.
LaFleur was asked postgame about the timeout call. With a smirk and a wink, he said, “Of course they got it right.” Whether it was luck or savvy clock management, it kept the drive alive-and the Packers in control.
Third Quarter: Detroit’s Gamble Backfires, Green Bay Strikes Fast
Dan Campbell has built a reputation as one of the NFL’s boldest play-callers, and he stayed true to form in the third quarter. Down 10 and facing a fourth-and-three just past midfield, the Lions went for it.
Jared Goff handed off to Jahmyr Gibbs, but Green Bay’s defense was ready. Isaiah McDuffie and Micah Parsons sliced through the line and dropped Gibbs for a two-yard loss.
Two plays later, the Packers made Detroit pay.
Love uncorked a deep ball to Christian Watson, who took it 51 yards to the house. The ball traveled 58.2 yards in the air-Love’s longest touchdown pass of his career. It was a dagger, and it came at the perfect time.
Fourth Quarter: Another Missed Chance for Detroit, Another Big Moment for Wicks
Still trailing by 10, Detroit put together a promising drive early in the fourth quarter. On third-and-three from Green Bay’s 21, they went back to Gibbs, but the Packers stonewalled him again.
Facing fourth down, Campbell kept the offense out there. Goff rolled right and found Jameson Williams wide open on a crossing route-only for the ball to bounce off Williams’ hands.
Another fourth-down failure, another missed opportunity.
Green Bay couldn’t quite slam the door immediately. Up seven with under three minutes to go, they faced a third-and-three just past midfield. Love hit Watson on a quick route that would’ve iced the game, but Watson couldn’t hang on.
No matter. LaFleur stayed aggressive.
On fourth down, with the game on the line, Love dropped back under pressure and let it rip-his signature fadeaway throw. Once again, it was Wicks who came up big, skying for a contested catch that moved the chains and sealed the win. With no timeouts left, Detroit could only watch as Green Bay knelt out the clock.
A New Chapter for LaFleur and Love
For years, Matt LaFleur has been tagged as a conservative coach-none more memorably than in the 2021 NFC Championship, when he opted for a field goal instead of trusting his offense on fourth-and-goal, down eight. That decision haunted the Packers, who never got the ball back and saw their Super Bowl hopes vanish.
This time, LaFleur didn’t blink. He trusted his quarterback, and Jordan Love rewarded him with a performance that showed poise, precision, and just enough flair to make you believe this offense can hang with anyone.
If Green Bay is going to make a serious postseason push, this version of LaFleur-the one who lets his $55 million quarterback cook on fourth down-needs to stick around. And if Love keeps delivering in those moments, the Packers might just have something special brewing.
Next up? A divisional clash with the NFC North-leading Bears. Another chance to prove that this team isn’t just bold-they’re built for big moments.