On Thanksgiving Day, the Green Bay Packers defeated the Detroit Lions, 29-22, in a game they never trailed in and dominated for the majority of the afternoon. The tone was set on the first play from scrimmage, when Jordan Love connected with Christian Watson for a 53-yard gain.
However, the game almost never happened because Packers head coach Matt LaFleur wanted to change it but was overruled by his quarterback.
Packers beat writer Matt Schneidman, who covers the team for The Athletic, believes so.
“Matt LaFleur claims he texted Jordan Love this morning to change the first play.Love replied that he wanted to keep it. Schneidman said on Twitter, “I hit Christian Watson for 53 yards to set the tone, and the Packers never trailed.”
And, just in case you missed it, here’s the replay.
.@jordan3love goes DEEP on the first play of the game ‼️
📺: #GBvsDET on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/N5H8NbZZUE pic.twitter.com/um8K7FH7jU— NFL (@NFL) November 23, 2023
I’m not convinced that Love even executed the play perfectly, as it seems like the ball maybe should have come out a tad earlier. But, I’m sure no one was mad about that long of a gain on the game’s first play. Green Bay would score on the drive, and never look back. They led by as much as 23-6, and cruised home to a 29-22 victory.
While Love underthrew that pass, it’s difficult to argue that Sunday was his best game as a starter thus far. The 2020 first-round pick has struggled in his first season as a starter after taking over for the injured Aaron Rodgers. Love completed 22/32 passes for 268 yards and three touchdowns, while also gaining 39 yards on the ground. That’s the player the Packers were hoping to see this season.
Green Bay has clawed their way back into playoff contention after a 1-5 stretch threatened to end their season. With a record of 5-6, they’re right in the mix for the final NFC playoff spot, which is up for grabs.
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