The Green Bay Packers went for it on fourth down three times in their Thanksgiving win in Detroit. They converted all three times for two touchdowns and the game sealing first down. Detroit, one of the most aggressive teams in the NFL on fourth down, failed to convert both of their attempts. Fourth down was the difference in the game.
Second Quarter
Green Bay’s offense got off to a slow start against the Lions, scoring only three points in the first quarter. Early in the second quarter the Packers drove the ball down to Detroit’s 22-yard line. Instead of kicking another field goal, Matt LaFleur decided to for it on fourth-and-two.
Jordan Love dropped back and threw a ball deep down the sideline into the end zone. Dontayvion Wicks beat the cornerback that was covering him and the ball arrived before the safety could get there and break it up. Wicks got two feet down in the end zone and hung on after taking a hit from the defender.
The Lions were able to get their first points of the game on the following possession, making the score 10-7.
Love led the Green Bay offense down the field again, but faced a fourth-and-one from the Lions 2-yard line. LaFleur once again decided to leave his offense on the field instead of opting for a chip shot field goal.
Right guard Anthony Belton committed a false start penalty before the snap which would have resulted in a 5-yard penalty, but the refs awarded LaFleur a timeout even though it appeared to happen after the infraction. Love hit Romeo Doubs on an out route to the pylon following the timeout, putting the Packers up 17-7.
LaFleur was asked about the questionable timeout after the game. He said, “Of course they got it right,” and added a wink.
Third Quarter
Detroit’s Head Coach Dan Campbell is known for being one of the most aggressive coaches on fourth down in the NFL. Campbell has gone for it the sixth most times in the NFL so far this season.
On fourth down with three yards to go just past midfield, Campbell decided to go for it. Jared Goff handed the ball off to Jahmyr Gibbs who was met in the backfield by Isaiah McDuffie and Micah Parsons for a 2-yard loss.
Green Bay took over possession at their own 49-yard line and scored two plays later when Love hit Christian Watson for a 51-yard touchdown.
Fourth Quarter
Down ten points early in the fourth quarter, Detroit marched down into Green Bay Packers territory. They faced a third-and-three from the 21-yard line and once again decided to hand the ball to Gibbs who was stopped for no gain.
Campbell decided to pass on the field goal attempt, which would have made it a one score game. Goff rolled to his right and threw a pass to Jameson Williams who was open on a crossing route. Williams dropped the ball and Detroit’s drive stalled with no points.
With 2:49 left in the game, up seven points, Green Bay’s offense had a chance to end the game. Facing a third-and-three just past midfield, Love hit Watson for what would have been a first down but Watson couldn’t complete the catch.
LaFleur chose to try and end the game right then and there by going for it on fourth down. Facing pressure while dropping back, Love threw his signature fadeaway pass. Wicks, literally jumping out of his cleats, made a great contested catch to convert and seal the win for the Packers. Out of timeouts, Detroit could not stop the clock and Green Bay went to victory formation.
LaFleur has often been criticized for being conservative in both his play calling and his game management decisions. The most memorable conservative call was kicking a field goal down eight points late in the fourth quarter in the 2021 NFC Championship. Instead of going for it on fourth-and-goal from the 8-yard line, he cut the lead to five. The Packers never possessed the ball again and lost the game, failing to reach the Super Bowl.
In order to reach the Super Bowl this season, LaFleur will need to continue to be aggressive. Trusting the right arm of his $55 million quarterback paid off in Detroit and should be done on a weekly basis. Love and the offense proved they can execute in high pressure situations against a playoff-caliber team. They will need to do it again on Sunday against the NFC North leading Chicago Bears.
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