We’ll examine the four Green Bay Packers here who contributed to their Week 4 overtime loss to the Detroit Lions.
In Week 4 of the 2023 NFL season, the Green Bay Packers were defeated by the Detroit Lions, 34-20, in a heartbreaking defeat.
Especially at home, the Packers were expected to win this game, but they fell short.
We will analyze the game and point out four Packers players who contributed to the team’s defeat in this article.
The defeat in Week 4.
In the game against the Detroit Lions, the Packers were predicted to prevail, but they fell short. The Packers were unable to overcome the deficit as the Lions took control of the game early on.
Both the Packers’ offense and defense were unable to generate enough points for Green Bay to win the game. The Packers’ defense was unable to stop the Lions’ offense.
In the fourth quarter, the Packers had a chance to reverse the situation, but a costly penalty doused any hopes of a last-ditch comeback.
The Packers’ performance as a whole was disappointing.
We’ll examine the four Green Bay Packers here who contributed to their Week 4 overtime loss to the Detroit Lions.
1. Jordan Love.
Jordan Love is still on a learning curve, that much is clear.
He could have played much better at the beginning of the game, though.
In the early going, the offense put on a lackluster performance, with Love missing some big opportunities. A tipped pass may have contributed to the first interception, but Christian Watson seemed to be in line to catch it.
Interestingly, Love showed a level of maturity that was lacking in the early stages of the game as the game grew more tense and the Packers were in a “must-score” situation.
Although encouraging, this does cause some skepticism. Love seems to thrive in fast-paced games that require quick thinking.
The Packers ought to be in a much better position if he can keep up this level of play for the duration of the game.
Sadly, we failed to recognize that until it was too late.
2. Offense Line.
Jordan Love could have played better, but the offensive line’s performance was appalling overall.
He had very little room for error thanks to them. The pocket quickly collapsed, giving Love few options.
The running game also suffered.
The Packers’ failed attempt to run the ball resulted in just 27 yards gained on 12 carries.
Aaron Jones hardly seems to have played a single snap when you look at these stats.
This season’s replacement for David Bakhtiari, Rasheed Walker, had a poor night.
One of their worst performances in their careers occurred for Josh Myers, Royce Newman, and Jon Runyan Jr. This trend raises serious concerns if it continues.
We should expect the offensive line to receive a high draft pick in 2024 if they keep performing poorly.
3. Walker Quay.
Quay Walker, a linebacker, is having an outstanding second season.
He more than doubled the player with the second-highest tackle total in this game, finishing with an impressive total of 19 tackles. Isaiah McDuffie, who scored nine, did that.
Walker’s extraordinary strength and speed have actually developed into key defense assets. Given the team’s ongoing tackling issues, it is encouraging to see a player consistently wrap opponents with the right technique.
Having said that, it is impossible to ignore a significant turning point in the second half. Walker mysteriously jumped over the line during a crucial field goal attempt, earning a penalty.
What should have been a 3-point Lions drive became one of the most expensive 7-point plays in recent memory thanks to that play.
When the Lions scored a touchdown, the Packers found it difficult to bounce back. Although the team’s problems went beyond this point, that touchdown unquestionably had a big impact.
After the commercial break, the Packers’ Quay Walker was given a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct, giving the Lions’ field goal attempt 1st-and-goal.
Later, the Lions would score a touchdown on fourth-and-goal, changing the score to 34-17 Detroit from 30-17.
4. Joe Barry.
The Packers’ main defensive problem has been their inability to stop the opposing running game.
In Week 4, it once more reared its ugly head.
The Packers could have given defensive coordinator Joe Barry all of their plays, and it would not have made much of a difference.
Fans of the Packers are becoming increasingly irritated, as expected.
This feeling also seems to be shared by head coach Matt LaFleur.
After the game, LaFleur said, ”
We’ll need to try something new.
Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results is absurd.”
We are certain that Barry was the target of these remarks.
Remember that the Lions’ onslaught of rushing attacks had no counters from his defensive unit. They permitted the Lions to amass 211 yards and three touchdowns on the ground.
The performance against Atlanta two weeks prior, when Barry’s accommodating coverage strategies welcomed the run, was mirrored in this instance.
Before this matchup, the Lions watched that game with anticipation.
Don’t forget that LaFleur made a dubious choice by keeping Joe Barry on board.
The responsibility for making defensive adjustments now falls on the head coach.
It might be necessary to think about changing the defensive coordinator mid-season if Barry continues to be resistant to change.
Looking Forward.
In summary, the Green Bay Packers’ defeat by the Detroit Lions in Week 4 exposed a number of problems. We witnessed Jordan Love’s patchy play and the offensive line’s appalling performance.
A costly error overshadowed Quay Walker’s skillful performance, and Joe Barry’s defensive tactics continue to raise questions. As the season goes on, it becomes increasingly obvious that the Packers must make significant upgrades and changes in order to reach their full potential and challenge for the title.