The Lions anticipated w
The fake by Detroit involvIn this case, Green Bay’s coverage unit was positioned outside, which made it difficult for the blockers to reach their places. Given that Christian Watson’s 16-yard touchdown catch was the only point the Packers scored in the second half, the Lions’ fake punt may not have been their greatest move overall. At the press conference that took place after the game, Campbell even acknowledged as much. He remarked, “Yeah, that’s a bad call on me,” in reference to the fictitious punt.ed a snap to linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin, the ace of special teams, from its own 23-yard line. The punt coverage up man tried to run the ball outside, but the Packers stopped him fast and for no gain.
Green Bay’s coverage team was positioned to the outside in this instance, making it challenging for the blockers to get to their positions. Consequently, the fake punt may not have been the best play by the Lions, especially considering that it led to Christian Watson’s 16-yard touchdown catch, which was the only score for the Packers in the second half. Campbell even admitted as much at the press conference following the game. “Yeah, that’s a bad call on me,” he said, referring to the fake punt.
inning their first Thanksgiving game since 2016 going into Week 12 of the 2023 NFL season.
Jordan Love had a fantast
In the second half, with the Lions behind 23–14, came the fake punt. In addition to forcing the Packers to punt on their opening defensive series of the half, they had scored to start the second half.
As a result, it seemed like the Lions were gaining momentum, but Campbell’s effort at a fake punt swiftly stopped it.
The team’s efforts made sense. They had to find the end zone instead of settling for field goals because they had been behind for the whole of the game.
But there was one that Lions supporters would find difficult to accept. Dan Campbell made the choice to try a fake punt from well within their own area.
ic game as the Packers overcame the Lions 29–22. In the win, the second-year quarterback completed 22 of 32 throws for 268 yards and three touchdowns, marking one of his greatest games to date.
However, Love’s performance wasn’t the only thing that had Lions supporters in stitches. It was more about the team’s incapacity to defeat the Packers on fourth down.
Against Green Bay, Detroit attempted a fourth-down conversion five times. Only one of them was converted by the Lions, a dump-off reception by Jahmyr Gibbs in his team’s last, desperate drive with a 15-point deficit.