Smack's Misses and Red Zone Failures Cost Packers 20-17 to Lions

Key points

• Trey Smack missed a 26-yard field goal wide right and had a 35-yard attempt blocked by DJ Wonnum in the final minutes.
• The Packers entered the red zone four times but scored only seven points, including a failed fourth-down conversion from the Detroit 7-yard line.
• Detroit’s Jared Goff completed 27 of 45 passes for 274 yards, while Green Bay’s Jordan Love threw for 303 yards but suffered multiple critical drops.
• The Lions committed two turnovers, their first since Week 1, but held the Packers to 17 points until the final seconds.
• Matt LaFleur confirmed Smack will remain the starter, despite the costly errors, while acknowledging the team’s lack of execution.

Background

This loss drops the Packers to 4-3, placing them last in the NFC North. Smack had shown strong leg power in preseason and earlier weeks, but this performance raises questions about his reliability. The team’s offensive line struggles, including the early exit of center Sean Rhyan, contributed to a run game that failed to support the passing attack.

How outlets are covering it

NBC Sports highlights the statistical rarity of Smack’s misses, noting he accounted for two of the three NFL field goal failures from inside 37 yards this season. Packers Wire emphasizes that drops and red zone inefficiencies, not just kicking, caused the loss, while also praising the defense’s resilience. NBC News frames the game as a divisional duel where both teams struggled with execution, noting the Lions’ first turnovers since Week 1. Packers.com focuses on the team’s inability to finish plays in the red zone, with LaFleur and Jordan Love citing a lack of run game support and missed opportunities as the primary reasons for the defeat.

Why it matters

The loss exposes execution issues in the Packers' offense, particularly in the red zone and special teams. While LaFleur defends Smack, the team’s inability to convert scoring chances into points threatens their playoff prospects. The Lions’ victory improves their record to 4-2, highlighting their resilience despite early turnovers.

What to watch

The Packers face the Carolina Panthers on Thursday night, with John Williams likely starting at center due to injuries. Smack will attempt to bounce back, while the team must address red zone efficiency and run game consistency. The Lions will look to maintain momentum after their first turnovers of the season.