Entering Sunday night’s game, the Green Bay Packers needed only a win to make the playoffs. They were a red-hot team, having won four straight games. Their opponents, the Detroit Lions, had been eliminated from playoff contention earlier in the day. On top of that, the game was at Lambeau Field. Everything pointed to a Packers victory. But that didn’t happen.
While they didn’t look crisp, the Packers led through most of the game. The Lions, though, hung around, something Green Bay helped them do with some bizarre and truly indefensible activity. A fourth quarter touchdown gave Detroit the lead. An interception on the ensuing possession gave the Lions a chance to close the game out.
Facing a fourth-and-short, Detroit had two chances. One, kick a field goal to go up seven points, giving Aaron Rodgers one more chance with the ball. Two, go for the first down to end the game. The Lions chose the latter.
For the first time since 2018, the Green Bay Packers will be watching the playoffs from their couches. pic.twitter.com/0apRdDnohE
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) January 9, 2023
That play sent the Seattle Seahawks to the playoffs. Naturally, they were ecstatic, tweeting “Hakuna Matata” to the Lions, with a Honolulu Blue heart.
Hakuna Matata, @Lions. 💙
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) January 9, 2023
Brett Kollmann was also happy, tweeting out “Happy Aaron Rodgers elimination day to all who observe.”
Another observer ripped the franchise for not only Sunday’s loss, but for an overall lost season, producing no real positives.
“The Packers just completed the almost impossible trifecta of: (1) missing the playoffs, (2) ending up with a middling draft slot, and (3) not getting a meaningful look at a potential franchise QB Truly incredible.”
Robert Griffin III, meanwhile, took the chance to give the Lions well-earned praise.
“The Lions found out they were eliminated from Playoff contention before the game and proceed to PLAY THEIR BUTTS OFF and bring their hated division rival Packers with them to the off season.”
Happy Aaron Rodgers elimination day to all who observe.
— Brett Kollmann (@BrettKollmann) January 9, 2023
The Packers just completed the almost impossible trifecta of: (1) missing the playoffs, (2) ending up with a middling draft slot, and (3) not getting a meaningful look at a potential franchise QB
Truly incredible
— Scary Alvarez (@barryisthedon) January 9, 2023
The Lions found out they were eliminated from Playoff contention before the game and proceed to PLAY THEIR BUTTS OFF and bring their hated division rival Packers with them to the off season.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) January 9, 2023
And of course, Lil Wayne was inconsolable after the loss, and seems like he might be that way for a while.
“Pls do me a favor and don’t call or text me I don’t want talk,” he said.
Pls do me a favor and don’t call or text me I don’t want talk.
— Lil Wayne WEEZY F (@LilTunechi) January 9, 2023
It was definitely not the night or the season that the Packers were looking to have.
