Lions-Packers Burning Questions: Interception opportunities making a difference, an early lead for the Lions and coaching decisions in a 23-20 loss to the Green Bay Packers in the final game of the season at Ford Field.
Question: What is the bottom line thought on the game?
Answer: It was a microcosm of the season. The Lions had the lead for the 14th time in 16 games and they wound up with their 12th loss for a 3-12-1 record.
The Lions gave it everything they had, but what they had wasn't good enough to beat a Packers team that is headed to the playoffs with a 13-3 record and the NFC North title.
There are decisions ahead for the Lions, but for this moment in time they can look at Sunday's game as one that was too much like so many others.
View photos from the Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers Week 17 game at Ford Field on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit.
Detroit Lions owner and chairman Martha Firestone Ford greets season ticket members before a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions owner and chairman Martha Firestone Ford greets season ticket members before a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions vice chair Sheila Ford Hamp and Detroit Lions owner and chairman Martha Firestone Ford greets season ticket members before a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions owner and chairman Martha Firestone Ford greets season ticket members before a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Ty Johnson and Jamal Agnew before a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback David Blough (10) before a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Darius Slay and Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams before a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Kenny Golladay before a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions punter Sam Martin (6) and Detroit Lions long snapper Don Muhlbach (48) before a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Jalen Reeves-Maybin before a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Tori Petry interviews a season ticket member before a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions kicker Matt Prater (5) before a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia and NASA astronaut Chris Cassidy before a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions surprised Semaj Alexander with a TV before a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions Season Ticket Members before a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Danny Amendola (80), Detroit Lions offensive lineman Oday Aboushi (76) and Detroit Lions running back Bo Scarbrough (43) in the tunnel for introductions before a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay (23) in the tunnel for introductions before a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions captains head to midfield for the coin toss before a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions captains at midfield for the coin toss before a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Frank Ragnow (77) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Kerryon Johnson (33) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Kerryon Johnson (33) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions punter Sam Martin (6) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive end Trey Flowers (90) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions safety Miles Killebrew (35) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Rashaan Melvin (29) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (44) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Kerryon Johnson (33) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Kerryon Johnson (33) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Bo Scarbrough (43) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defense during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions long snapper Don Muhlbach (48) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback David Blough (10) catches a touchdown pass during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback David Blough (10) catches a touchdown pass during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback David Blough (10) catches a touchdown pass during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback David Blough (10) celebrates a touchdown catch during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback David Blough (10) catches a touchdown pass during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback David Blough (10) celebrates a touchdown catch with Detroit Lions offensive lineman Tyrell Crosby (65) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Bo Scarbrough (43) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Bo Scarbrough (43) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Ty Johnson (31) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Ty Johnson (31) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions kicker Matt Prater (5) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (44) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Tyrell Crosby (65) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Bo Scarbrough (43) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
A young Detroit Lions fan enjoys his first game during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Devon Kennard (42) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions safety Miles Killebrew (35) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Justin Coleman (27) celebrates a stop during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive back Tracy Walker (21) celebrates a stop during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Rashaan Melvin (29) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive end Trey Flowers (90) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Tyrell Crosby (65) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker (68) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions punter Sam Martin (6) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive tackle Damon Harrison Sr. (98) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive end Austin Bryant (94) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia throws a challenge flag during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions safety Will Harris (25) celebrates a sack during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) is sacked by Detroit Lions safety Will Harris during a NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback David Blough (10) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Matthew Stafford and Detroit Lions quarterback Kyle Sloter (1) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback David Blough (10) scrambles during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Danny Amendola (80) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback David Blough (10) hands off to Detroit Lions running back Kerryon Johnson (33) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions offense at the goal line during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Kerryon Johnson (33) runs for a touchdown during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Kerryon Johnson (33) celebrates a touchdown during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Kerryon Johnson (33) celebrates a touchdown with Detroit Lions linebacker Jason Cabinda (53) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Jason Cabinda (53) celebrates a special teams tackle during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Jason Cabinda (53) blocks for a Kerryon Johnson touchdown run during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Tony Leogrande and his wife are surprised with Super Bowl tickets during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions punter Sam Martin (6) kicks off during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Martha Reeves is honored as part of the halftime Motown celebration during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Martha Reeves is honored as part of the halftime Motown celebration during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Martha Reeves is honored as part of the halftime Motown celebration during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions long snapper Don Muhlbach (48) and the special teams punt unit during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay (23) and the defense during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay (23) breaks up a pass intended for Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during a NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions safety Will Harris (25) sacks Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgesr (12) during a NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions safety Will Harris (25) sacks Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgesr (12) during a NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions safety Will Harris (25) sacks Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgesr (12) during a NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions safety Will Harris (25) celebrates a sack during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tight end Jesse James (83) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tight end Logan Thomas (82) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions kicker Matt Prater (5) and Detroit Lions punter Sam Martin (6) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive tackle Damon Harrison Sr. (98) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tight end Logan Thomas (82) on special teams during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Ty Johnson (31) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Ty Johnson (31) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions kicker Matt Prater (5) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive back Tracy Walker (21) breaks up a pass during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions safety Tavon Wilson (32) breaks up a pass during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions kicker Matt Prater (5) kicks a 56-yard field goal during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback David Blough (10) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tight end Logan Thomas (82) celebrates a tackle on special teams during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
United States Marine Corps Veteran and season ticket member, Eugene Zarucki is honored as the hometown hero during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
United States Marine Corps Veteran and season ticket member, Eugene Zarucki is honored as the hometown hero during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive end Austin Bryant (94) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tight end Logan Thomas (82) makes a tackle on special teams during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Amani Oruwariye (24) breaks up a pass during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Anthony Pittman (57) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Kerryon Johnson (33) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive back Tracy Walker (21) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive end Trey Flowers (90) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions punter Sam Martin (6) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback David Blough (10) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker (68) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Frank Ragnow (77) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Frank Ragnow (77) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Tyrell Crosby (65) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Amani Oruwariye (24) intercepts a pass during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Amani Oruwariye (24) intercepts a pass during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Amani Oruwariye (24) celebrates an interception during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback David Blough (10) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Jarrad Davis and Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Bo Scarbrough (43) and Detroit Lions center/guard Graham Glasgow (60) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Ty Johnson (31) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Jamal Agnew (39) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive end Trey Flowers (90) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Jarrad Davis during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tight end Isaac Nauta (89) and Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia and Detroit Lions linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (44) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Q. Pick time: What made the difference in the game?
A. Interceptions, and what the Lions and Packers did with them, made the difference.
The Packers got a fourth-quarter interception on a poor throw by rookie quarterback David Blough and used the opportunity to drive to a touchdown and a 17-17 tie.
The Lions stopped a go-ahead drive by the Packers with an interception late in the fourth quarter but went three and out and punted.
The Packers got the ball with 1:27 left and drove to the game-winning field goal as time ran out.
Q. First strike Lions, surprise? The Lions scored the first touchdown for a 7-0 lead on a trick play – wide receiver Danny Amendola's 19-yard pass to Blough. It caught the Packers flat-footed, but should they have been surprised?
A. No. The Lions tricked the Packers for a TD in the last game last year at Lambeau, and they did it in the first game at Lambeau in Week 6. Last year it was a pass from kicker Matt Prater to tight end Levine Toilolo out of the field goal formation, and in Week 6 this year it was a long pass to wide receiver Kenny Golladay on a flea flicker.
Three trick plays, and they all worked – for two TDs and a long gain that set up a field goal.
Q. Amendola's arm: He's known for having a strong arm – according to Danny, anyway. How had he done before the throw to Blough?
A. It was the third pass of his career, and now he's completed all three for 83 yards and two TDs. He had a 36-yard completion with New England in 2015 and a 28-yard completion for a touchdown for Miami last year.
Q. Challenge: Any doubt that head coach Matt Patricia knew he was going to win a challenge on a second-quarter pass that was ruled a completion for Packers wide receiver Davante Adams and a first down in Lions' territory?
A. No doubt. Patricia had the red challenge flag out and ready to throw it before the ball had stopped rolling. He was quicker on the trigger than Doc Holliday beating Johnny Ringo to the draw in "Tombstone."
The catch clearly was out of bounds, making it third down.
Q. Blitz, sack: What was your thought when rookie safety Will Harris sacked Rodgers on the next play, forcing the Packers to punt?
A. My first thought was, why hadn't they done that more often, given the lack of a pass rush most of the season?
Q. Fourth and go: Any surprise the Lions went for it on fourth and a foot instead of kicking a field goal to pad their lead to 10-0?
A. No, and right call by the coaching staff. The Lions were on a roll, with nothing to lose, and they had the Packers on their heels. Running back Kerryon Johnson blasted through a hole on the left side into the end zone to make it 14-0.
Q. First half key: What was the key overall to the Lions having a 17-3 lead at halftime?
A. For the Lions it was the running game – 117 yards – and defense. They had a 251-136 advantage in yards. For the Packers, it was the abysmal play by Rodgers. He completed six of 18 passes for 90 yards and he had to get hot at the end of the half to do that.
He hit on only two of his first 12 passes and was off target often, missing open receivers that he usually hits routinely.
Q. Second half key: What was it for the Lions?
A. Play steady, smart football in all phases. Make the Packers earn yards, first downs and points. They did that early in the third quarter, forcing the Packers to settle for a 51-yard field goal attempt that Mason Crosby missed.
That kept the score at 17-3 – with more work to do.
Q. Packers, tighten up: What was most disappointing about Adams' 20-yard TD catch on third and 10 that cut it to 17-10 with 3:10 left?
A. It was the explosion of cheers from Packers fans at the game. They didn't outnumber Lions fans, but the Lions had to keep them quiet. Cutting the lead to seven points – a touchdown – kept the Packers and their fans in the game, with a lot of time left.
Q. Prater time: Right call to go for a 56-yard field goal on fourth and two after the Packers had cut it to 17-13?
A. Yes. It's never wrong to go for a long field goal with Matt Prater kicking. He's the best long distance kicker in NFL history.
Go for it every time.
Unfortunately for the Lions, the Packers rallied to win.
