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The Green Bay Packers' Week 18 ended in a rather shocking note, losing to the Detroit Lions and dropping to 13-4 on the season. This game didn't affect Green Bay since they had already clinched the one seed and homefield advantage in the NFC.
Aaron Rodgers and the Packers starters only played in the first half of this contest. Detroit came away with a 37-30 victory, finishing the season off at 3-13-1. Lions fans may have preferred a loss in this game as it would have given them the No. 1 overall pick with the Jacksonville Jaguars winning. However, it will build team chemistry and give them something to build on for next season.
This loss doesn't mean much for Green Bay since their stars sat out the second half. It was all about getting live game reps so that they wouldn't have two bye weeks in a row. Rodgers and the Pack will now have a week off and wait for their opponent in the Divisional Round.
That being said, here are three Packers Week 18 takeaways from their shocking loss to the Lions ahead of their playoff bye.
Green Bay Packers Week 18 Takeaways Vs. Detroit Lions
3. David Bakhtiari was solid in return
The Packers got their All-Pro Left Tackle in David Bakhtiari for the first time this season. Bakhtiari suffered a torn ACL at the end of the 2020 campaign and had been sidelined all year. While he only played 27 snaps, it was great to see him on the field, and he and the offensive line held up well for Rodgers in the first half.
David Bakhtiari called his return a “long, long journey” that included a second surgery this fall because it “didn’t feel right.” There was more scar tissue and fluid that was inhibiting his movement.
Originally was aiming for a November comeback but was pleased with today. pic.twitter.com/zkrC7f9mCY
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) January 9, 2022
With a bye week and more practice reps ahead, Bakhtiari could be a vital piece for the offensive line in the postseason. When fully healthy, he is the best left tackle in the league and gives Rodgers more time to find open receivers downfield.
2. Allen Lazard's role will be crucial in the playoffs
Allen Lazard has picked up his play the last few weeks and had a phenomenal first-half performance against the Lions. He had five receptions for 75 yards and two touchdowns. Defenses gravitate toward superstar wide receiver Davante Adams, which opens up other receivers like Lazard to thrive.
While Lazard isn't the same threat as Adams, his play is becoming more consistent. He is making clutch catches and is a reliable target for Rodgers to throw to.
Although his game may not be flashy, Lazard's consistent play will be crucial for Green Bay in the postseason.
1. Jordan Love isn't ready
The NFL was shocked when the Packers selected Jordan Love in the 2020 draft. What was even more shocking is that Green Bay traded up in the first round to draft him. They had just made it to the NFC Championship Game and still has Rodgers at quarterback. He has not seen much time on the field as Rodgers has proven he isn't ready to be replaced.
Rodgers won the MVP last season and is the frontrunner to win the award again this 2021. With the Pack locking up the number one seed last week, Love got his opportunity to play in the second half. He threw for 134 yards along with one touchdown and two interceptions.
Jordan Love’s first 4th Quarter Comeback in the works with a 60+ yard TD to Josiah Deguara #OwnTheFuture https://t.co/DuUlOfXkkX
— IKE Packers Podcast (@IKE_Packers) January 9, 2022
Love's two interceptions came on potential game-winning or tying drives to keep the Packers alive in the game. He is still a talented player, but he has shown that he isn't ready to take the helm from Rodgers.
The Packers now move on to their bye week, preparing for their opponent in the Divisional Round. A significant advantage for Green Bay will be their homefield advantage up until the Super Bowl. Warm weather teams could struggle in the frigid temperatures in Wisconsin.
The Packers may also be getting reinforcements back in Randall Cobb, Bakhtiari, Jaire Alexander and Za'Darius Smith. These four players are integral pieces for Matt LaFleur's team and would make the league's best team even better.
While Green Bay lost this game to the Lions, it should have no factor moving forward. Rodgers and the Packers will be right in Super Bowl contention.
