Three takeaways from the Packers' upset Thanksgiving Day win over the Lions
Despite being riddled with injuries, the Green Bay Packers (5-6) spoiled Thanksgiving in the "Motor City," stunning the Detroit Lions (8-3), 29-22. Here are three takeaways from the Packers' miraculous victory.
Jordan Love's arrival may be here: Without two of his primary weapons, running back Aaron Jones (knee) and tight end Luke Musgrave (abdomen), Love walked into Ford Field and looked like a franchise QB. In his first Thanksgiving Day game, playing in a hostile environment against the NFC North leader, Love shined. The third-year QB finished 22-of-32 for 268 yards (8.4 YPC) with three touchdowns and zero interceptions while adding 39 rushing yards off three attempts.
Thursday's performance wasn't Love's best of the season statistically, but it may have been his most impressive. With the Packers short-handed on both sides of the ball, Love responded with a clutch outing in a must-win game for Green Bay. Over the last five days, Love has led the Packers to wins over the Los Angeles Chargers and Lions. He has played arguably his best football across the last four weeks, averaging 278 passing yards per game with eight touchdowns and only two picks.
WR Christian Watson ready to break out? With Love seemingly improving weekly, the Packers' No. 1 receiver might be finally getting on track. On Thursday, Watson was an integral part of Green Bay's success against the Lions, recording five catches for 94 yards, including a 16-yard touchdown reception late in the third quarter that all-but-sealed the Packers victory.
For Watson, it's only the second time he's surpassed 90 receiving yards in 2023 and his five receptions were a season-high. However, after tallying only one touchdown reception over his first six games, Watson now has two in as many weeks. If he and Love can rekindle their connection from last season, it could be a huge bonus for the Packers offense as they fight for a playoff spot down the stretch.
The absence of LG Jonah Jackson loomed large for Lions: An already beaten-up Lions offensive line had to go without starting left guard Jonah Jackson for the second straight week and it showed against the Packers. Jackson's replacement Colby Sorsdal struggled throughout the day, seemingly leading to his benching before the second half.
Meanwhile, Green Bay linebacker Rashan Gary and the Packers pass rush thrived on Thanksgiving. Gary recorded all three Packers sacks on Thursday and forced two of three fumbles lost by Lions QB Jared Goff, including one returned for a touchdown by safety Jonathan Owens. According to Next Gen Stats, Gary averaged 3.51 yards of separation from Goff, significantly better than the league average (4.53 yards).
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