Packers Control Early Momentum as Lions Fight to Stay Close on Thanksgiving

A familiar script unfolded early at Ford Field on Thanksgiving as the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers met in a divisional rematch with meaningful NFC implications. Detroit entered the holiday looking to strengthen its postseason positioning by improving to 8–4, while Green Bay sought to replicate its dominant Week 1 performance. Through the first quarter, the Packers dictated terms, forcing the Lions to play from behind almost immediately.

Detroit’s offense struggled to find footing in the opening period, unable to establish the run or generate momentum through the air. Green Bay’s defense, which overwhelmed the Lions in the season opener, again imposed its will. For quarterback Jared Goff, the early numbers were uncharacteristically quiet, as he failed to record a passing yard in the first quarter — the first time that has occurred in his NFL career, per FOX’s broadcast.

Despite the early imbalance, the Lions eventually pieced together a scoring drive to stay within striking distance. Running back David Montgomery capped an answer that briefly steadied Detroit after Green Bay opened the game with a field goal and a highlight-reel touchdown catch by Dontayvion Wicks. Still, the Packers reclaimed control nearing halftime, building a two-score lead behind another strong drive from Jordan Love.

As the second quarter continued, Detroit faced both an offensive deficit and the absence of star receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, who exited early with an injury and was listed as questionable to return.

1. Green Bay’s Defense Sets an Early Tone

The Packers opened the game with the same defensive intensity that fueled their Week 1 victory. Detroit managed just five rushing yards in the first quarter, unable to break free against a disciplined Green Bay front. The Packers’ pressure forced Goff into quick reads and disrupted his timing, leaving Detroit without a single passing yard until the second quarter. Green Bay capitalized on those stops by scoring first. After an opening field goal, Jordan Love delivered a pinpoint throw to Wicks for a touchdown that highlighted the Packers’ early command. The young quarterback played with poise, distributing the ball effectively while benefiting from a consistent pocket. Detroit’s early struggles also stemmed from limited possessions, as Green Bay controlled the pace. Misfires on the ground stalled several early drives, and the Packers’ defensive backs closed passing windows quickly, forcing the Lions to adjust their approach. Though the Lions eventually responded, the early defensive dominance helped Green Bay seize momentum and dictate the tempo through much of the first half.

2. Lions Work to Stabilize After Slow Start

Detroit’s breakthrough came midway through the second quarter when the offense finally established rhythm. A balanced drive helped the Lions reach the red zone, where Montgomery finished with a powerful touchdown run. It was a welcome burst of energy for a unit that had been searching for answers. However, consistent production remained difficult. At the time of writing, Goff had just 45 passing yards on 2-of-5 attempts, with most of Detroit’s receiving production coming from depth targets. Tom Kennedy led the team with a 23-yard catch, while Jameson Williams accounted for the only other reception by a Lions wideout. Without St. Brown, Detroit lacked its usual reliability in the intermediate game. The Lions’ coaching staff attempted to diversify the playbook to compensate for the missing star, mixing in motion and quicker reads to counter Green Bay’s speed. Those adjustments produced moments of progress but not enough to erase the early deficit. Still, Detroit maintained a strategic opportunity: a chance to score before the half and then open the third quarter with possession, a sequence that could rapidly alter the momentum.

3. Packers Push Lead to Double Digits Before Halftime

Green Bay’s answer to Detroit’s lone touchdown was swift and decisive. Love connected with Romeo Doubs on a critical late-second-quarter throw inside the five-yard line, widening the gap to 17–7 just before the two-minute warning. The play capped a well-constructed drive that showcased Green Bay’s passing rhythm. The Packers’ ability to generate chunk gains and sustain drives contrasted sharply with Detroit’s inconsistency. Green Bay frequently won on first down, setting up manageable second- and third-down situations that kept the Lions’ defense on the field. Love operated efficiently in the red zone, taking calculated risks while avoiding turnovers. Detroit’s defense managed flashes of resistance but struggled to contain Green Bay’s perimeter passing game. Missed tackles and soft zone coverage created opportunities for Love’s receivers to extend plays, contributing to the Packers’ double-digit cushion. As halftime approached, the Lions were left needing both offensive improvement and defensive stops to avoid a repeat of their Week 1 defeat.