The Green Bay Packers poured their hearts into a Week 14 showdown against the Detroit Lions on Thursday Night Football, but ultimately fell short in their attempt to upset their bitter NFC North rivals.
Tensions were high throughout the game, with a notable back-and-forth between Packers tight end Tucker Kraft and Lions safety Kerby Joseph. Additionally, Green Bay head coach Matt LaFleur got into a heated exchange before the game with an overzealous Detroit fan holding a giant American flag during the National Anthem.
After their defeat, which dropped their record to 9-4, Kraft is urging his teammates to take a different approach as a crucial stretch of the season begins. The Packers will face the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday night in what marks the start of a vital closing stretch.
“Last game was a check for us,” Kraft told reporters. “Because we had guys playing with — myself included — playing with aggression but not necessarily the best technique … this next storm of games, we’re gonna be locked in.”
The Packers‘ ability to harness emotion and stay focused could be pivotal, as they seek to improve their NFC seeding. With games against the Seahawks, New Orleans Saints, Minnesota Vikings, and rival Chicago Bears remaining, the road ahead is critical for Green Bay’s playoff hopes.
