It’s no secret that it takes a full four-quarter effort to defeat the Green Bay Packers on their home turf. As such, the Detroit Lions’ strong opening half was not nearly enough to hang with their long-time rivals.
Tailback Aaron Jones racked up four touchdowns and the Packers outscored the Lions 21-0 in the second half in a 35-17 victory at Lambeau Field on Monday Night Football. The Packers evened their record at 1-1 while the Lions fell to 0-2 for the third time in the last four seasons.
A sharp opening drive by the Lions ended with a 5-yard touchdown reception by wideout Quintez Cephus. The Packers followed suit with a punishing first series of their own and a short touchdown run by Jones for an early 7-7 tie.
Midway through the second quarter, the Lions took again the lead on a beautiful 8-yard fading grab in the end zone by tight end T.J. Hockenson. Once again, the Packers answered right back with a scoring toss to Jones. A late field goal gave the Lions a 17-14 lead at the half.
Green Bay struck first in the third quarter, taking their first lead thanks to a touchdown reception by tight end Robert Tonyan. The Lions were subsequently able to drive into Packers territory but were unable to convert a 4th and 1. Jones tacked on his third score of the game on the next drive to give the Packers a double-digit advantage.
Lions starter Jared Goff fumbled the snap on the next play, giving the ball right back to the Packers deep in Lions territory. Jones then took advantage reached the end zone for the fourth time to put the game completely out of reach.
Goff finished 26/36 throwing for 246 yards with a pair of touchdowns and an interception. Hockenson paced the Lions with 66 yards through the air.
For the Packers, Aaron Rodgers went 22/27 for 255 yards and four scores. Jones notched 115 total yards and now has nine touchdowns in seven career games against the Lions.
Already perilously thin at cornerback, the Lions lost rookie Ifeatu Melifonwu to a leg injury in the second half. Bobby Price, a converted safety, took his place.
The Lions will host the Baltimore Ravens next Sunday at 1:00 P.M. EST.