It was no secret that the Green Bay Packers were aiming to get off to a fast start against the Detroit Lions.
After last season’s matchups between NFC North rivals where the Lions started fast and staved off every attempt at a comeback from the Packers, the want for an early statement and a victory reached its peak.
That’s exactly what the Packers executed Sunday afternoon at Lambeau Field, scoring 17 first-half points that would already be enough to earn a victory over the Lions.
“It’s amazing. A big goal for us was being able to come in here and start the season off fast and start the season on the right note,” quarterback Jordan Love said after the 27-13 win. “To come in here Week 1 at home and get a dominant win like that is amazing and exactly what we’ve been working for.
“This is a team that got us the last couple games we played against them. It was a big test coming in here Week 1, a really good team coming in. We know what type of team we have, but definitely confirms it and gives you some more confidence to keep building on.”
Early tests of the Lions’ secondary were fruitful for Love and the Packers offense, while the Green Bay defense played shutdown football whenever Detroit threatened the red zone.
Detroit’s strengths were muted by the Packers, namely a returning Aidan Hutchinson coming off a severe leg injury last season. Hutchinson’s considered a game-wrecker and managed little as Green Bay proudly “put as many hands” on the edge rusher as possible.
“Obviously any time a divisional opponent, in particular that’s kind of had their way with us the last three times here at Lambeau, I was just really proud of the energy our guys brought...our style of play was exactly what we wanted,” LaFleur said.
The Packers were quick not to get ahead of themselves with a long season ahead and high aspirations that are still a ways away from becoming a reality.
LaFleur — who began his coaching career 5-0 against the Lions before losing six of the next eight meetings — didn’t want to downplay where he expects Detroit to be in Week 13 for their second divisional matchup.
“The Detroit Lions are one of the better teams in this league,” LaFleur said. “I’d expect them to rebound and we’re going to have a heck of a battle next time we play.”
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