Lions Leftovers is the weekly post-game commentary from Detroit Sports Nation contributor Rob Otto. The opinions are his own, and not necessarily those of Detroit Sports Nation.
Monday’s game in Green Bay is among the best in Matthew Stafford’s career, and arguably the best road game he has had since getting drafted by the Lions. He went 26-of-33 for 361 yards and two touchdowns. That is a Passer Rating of 132.4, which is the second highest in a road game in his career.
Lions increase their lead back up to three scores – 27-10. And do it with ANOTHER Red Zone TD! pic.twitter.com/fQjmXKDZX4
— DetroitSportsNation (@detsportsnation) November 7, 2017
The only time he exceeded that rating away from Ford Field was in December of 2015 in New Orleans when he went 22-of-25 for 258 yards and three TDs. However, that was in the climate-controlled Superdome, not in the frigid elements of a November night game in Green Bay.
Stafford was spot-on with some throws that had to be placed in a space smaller than a cheesehead. He definitely got some help from receiver Golden Tate and Marvin Jones as well.
.@ShowtimeTate showing some #ToeDragSwag! #OnePride #DETvsGB https://t.co/XUUBYDt8z3
— NFL (@NFL) November 7, 2017
.@MarvinJonesJr with 7 catches for 107 yds and 2 TD@ShowtimeTate with 7 catches for 113 yds pic.twitter.com/6JZnNkjhxg
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) November 7, 2017
Let’s also not forget that Stafford hit a major milestone in this game as well.
#DETvsGB pic.twitter.com/oZ4pmy74nU
— DetroitSportsNation (@detsportsnation) November 7, 2017
200th career TD pass for Stafford, and first TD on an opening drive this year for the Lions. #DETvsGB https://t.co/2lwmzhm1TY
— DetroitSportsNation (@detsportsnation) November 7, 2017
Of course, it wasn’t all wine and roses, with Jim Bob Cooter still making some questionable calls.
The Lions ran it on first down? No way! #DETvsGB pic.twitter.com/aWvp9UrxOL
— DetroitSportsNation (@detsportsnation) November 7, 2017
Basic plays working perfectly, so of course Offensive Genius James Robert Cooter calls a flea-flicker. #DETvsGB
— DetroitSportsNation (@detsportsnation) November 7, 2017
The defense also had a nice day against Brett Hundley, the quarterback trying to tread water while Aaron Rodgers sits out with an injury. They kept Hundley in check for most of the game, outside of a couple late TD drives (the last of which ended with a free play with zero seconds on the clock), Hundley was pedestrian at best. They did end the day with 311 total yards but never got closer than 10 points in the second half.
The biggest stats to stand out in this game were third-down conversions and time of possession. Detroit converted on 8-of-13 opportunities to extend drives, while the Packers were just 2-for-11. Detroit controlled the clock for almost 37 minutes, while Green Bay had the ball for just over 23.
That makes two wins in Green Bay in three seasons for Detroit under Jim Caldwell. It has been awhile since that happened.
To clarify…the last LIONS head coach to win twice at Lambeau Field was Joe Schmidt. It was 1968 & 1970. #DETvsGB pic.twitter.com/xldQiLUmDx
— DetroitSportsNation (@detsportsnation) November 7, 2017
Stafford and the offense were so efficient that they did not punt the entire game. Not once.
Geez…another Joe Schmidt reference? The last time the Lions didn't punt in a game was when he was coaching in 1971! #DETvsGB
— DetroitSportsNation (@detsportsnation) November 7, 2017
Impressive night for the Lions. And a Monday night game in Packer-land made for a lot of fun memes as well. Enjoy!
First break Coach Caldwell. What is hiding behind that thousand yard stare? #DETvsGB pic.twitter.com/tn8uff8jf3
— DetroitSportsNation (@detsportsnation) November 7, 2017
Great drive Coach! What did you think? #DETvsGB pic.twitter.com/DLYe1qJm5V
— DetroitSportsNation (@detsportsnation) November 7, 2017
Good lead, huh Coach? Do you remember the last time you were up by 14? pic.twitter.com/PCvseyEMt3
— DetroitSportsNation (@detsportsnation) November 7, 2017
#DETvsGB pic.twitter.com/8MdA9Hf5Wy
— DetroitSportsNation (@detsportsnation) November 7, 2017
#DETvsGB pic.twitter.com/LsenCdZKYa
— DetroitSportsNation (@detsportsnation) November 7, 2017
#DETvsGB pic.twitter.com/WzlFW7mvj7
— DetroitSportsNation (@detsportsnation) November 7, 2017