Though the Detroit Lions started off well against the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving Day, things unraveled in the second half. The defense stepped up big time in the first and second quarters, and Matthew Stafford was supported by strong play from running back Kevin Smith. Unfortunately, Smith went down with a high ankle sprain and would not return, and the Lions were unable to get any rhythm offensively following that. Smith had more than fifty yards all-purpose through the first quarter, and his presence was missed.
Right about the time that the Lions went back to calling plays in the huddle and the Fox broadcasting crew started talking about how it was such a bad idea to not utilize the no-huddle, the Lions started to drive and score on the Packers. Down 24-0, Stafford completed a big pass to Calvin Johnson, and then running back Keiland Williams scampered to the endzone for a touchdown. They went for two, and it was successful, with Titus Young catching the conversion attempt.
So the game moved to 24-8 in favor of the Packers, who took the field with a vengeance. Almost immediately, Aaron Rodgers hit Greg Jennings for 31 yards, but the drive stalled out immediately as Justin Durant sacked Rodgers on third down. The Lions got the ball back with an eye on making it a one-score game, but they ended up going three and out and had to punt. As the clock got closer to being inside three minutes, the Packers brought out Mason Crosby to kick a 32 yard field goal - and it was good, putting the Packers up 27-8.
The Lions started to drive, and a long drive led to a touchdown to Calvin Johnson with eleven seconds remaining in the game, but it was too late for a comeback and the Lions lost 27-15. Rodgers finished 22 for 32 with two touchdowns and no interceptions with 300+ yards, while Stafford had one touchdown and three interceptions. Running back Maurice Morris finished with 81 yards receiving and 39 yards rushing.
Green Bay moves to a perfect 11-0 on the season, while the Lions fall to 7-4 with the 27-