Packers beat Lions 34-12

The Thanksgiving trip was worth it for the Packers as they beat the Lions 34-12.  The Packers improve to 7-4 while, the Lions drop to 2-9.  This is the 9th consecutive win over the Lions and third straight after the Buccaneers debacle.  Charles Woodson was the star of the game with 7 tackles, 2 picks one taken to the house, 1 sack, and 1 forced fumble.  The forced fumble came off a late challenge from Mike McCarthy after the game was well in hand.  Some may view the challenge as a dick move, but I think you keep the foot on the pedal until the clock is at 0:00.  Woodson’s late pick-six was the final score.  Calvin Johnson was only able to get 2 catches for 10 yards and a score against the Pro Bowl corner.  Woodson not only helped the Packers this holiday he’s donating $2 million to the new University of Michigan Mott Children’s Hospital and Women’s Hospital.  The money will support pediatric research by The Charles Woodson Clinical Research Fund in the $754-million, 1.1-million square foot hospital scheduled to open in 2012.  During the broadcast Troy Aikman talked about how Woodson should be a candidate for Defensive Player of the Year.  Yes, he’d get my vote. 

The Packers defense held the Lions offense in check with 272 total yards.  Matthew Stafford completed 20 of 43 for 213 yards, a score, and 4 picks.  Tramon Williams and Nick Collins each had interceptions to go along with 2 from Woodson.  A.J. Hawk and Nick Barnett each had 10 tackles.  Kevin Smith was a non factor on the ground with 43 yards, but caught for 4 balls for 46 yards.  The Lions offense struggled to move the ball and only completed 6 of 16 third downs.  Clay Matthews had 2 tackles and a sack.  Fox had a tight shot on his helmet during the broadcast and you can see by all the marks that it’s been through some collisions.  Jarrett Bush covered the tight ends fairly well however, I’m still not comfortable with his play.  I need to see more action against the slot receivers.       

The Packers won the time of possession battle 33.59 to 26:01.  The Packers controlled the ball with the short passing attack with the effect the Lions defense exhausted in the 4th quarter.  Aaron Rodgers completed 28 of 39 for 348 yards and 3 scores.  Rodgers burned the Lions blitzes in the red zone.  Donald Driver hauled in 7 for 142 yards and a score.  James Jones and Donald Lee each caught 4 balls and contributed scores.  The Packers couldn’t run the ball very well with Ryan Grant getting 61 yards on 20 carries.  The safety in the 4th quarter was a disgusting play.  The blocking was terrible and I wanted to see them run quick slants with the cushion the corners were giving the receivers.  Chad Clifton left the game with a hamstring injury.  On Rodgers fumble Clifton didn’t block Julian Peterson and he had a clean shot on the quarterback.  Clifton just hasn’t had a good 2009 with injuries limiting his play.  I may consider playing T.J. Lang the rest of the season. 

Next week, the Packers host the Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night Football.  You’ll have an opportunity to see Baltimore first hand as they host the Steelers this week on Sunday Night Football.

Tags: Charles Woodson, Lions, Packers