The Packers, despite struggling offensively through the first three quarters managed to stay in the game. It’s because their defense allowed the game to remain within three points of the Lions. They even managed to fool Jared Goff, picking him off on a well-designed play.
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The play took everyone by surprise but Emmanuel Acho broke down the play-call and coverage that made Detriot’s QB throw an interception.
With the score 17-14 in favor of the Lions, they needed to convert 2nd&14 with just over 12 minutes left in the third quarter. Acho explained how the Packers cleverly disguised their coverage to confuse Goff. They initially showed a single-high safety in the middle of the field, suggesting a Cover 3 formation, while the other safety moved closer to the line of scrimmage.
” The Packers completely fooled Jared Goff right here, disguising the coverage. It looks like it’s Cover 3. But they are not in Cover 3. At the last moment, this Safety is gonna roll half the field, and Corner is gonna be in a little trap coverage, reading Goff’s eyes. Watch this Safety, watch what’s he doing at the snap. At the snap, he bails. They are moving into Cover 2. Goff never sees this CB and he got trapped. “
This setup led Goff to believe Green Bay was in a Cover 3, giving him the impression of soft coverage and an easy throw. He anticipated both cornerbacks would drop back at the snap to cover their receivers, while the safety near the line would step up aggressively.
However, the Packers shifted into a Cover 2 at the snap. The safety near the line rolled back into coverage, and the second cornerback stayed high, creating a trap.
Goff, relying on his pre-snap read, failed to account for the cornerback lurking in the area. As he threw into what he assumed was soft coverage, the cornerback read his eyes, anticipated the throw, and intercepted the pass with ease.
The @packers completely fooled Jared Goff with this coverage disguise. This is clinic tape!!
Don’t just watch football. Learn football.#AchoAnalysis | #GopackGo | @TheFacilityFS1 10a pic.twitter.com/Wq20rvIEes
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) December 6, 2024
Many criticized Jared Goff, labeling him overrated and arguing that any quarterback should have recognized the coverage. One fan questioned whether throwing without relying on a pre-snap read might have avoided the interception.
Goff is overrated. Any NFL QB would have record years with that O Line.
— Dion (@skapegoat888) December 6, 2024
Another chimed in and added,
That was pretty simple idk how goff messed that up
— d/ (@deexv) December 6, 2024
A user commented,
Do you think throwing with less anticipation woulda avoided that but then again you don’t have all day to throw
— Oz (@_OzzyG) December 6, 2024
Others stated,
Most fans don’t wanna learn it.. too boring for them lol
— Shane Bullock (@j_shane) December 6, 2024
The game opened up in the second half as both offenses found their rhythm and began making big plays. Goff and Jordan Love each connected with their receivers for significant gains, keeping the game tightly contested. Despite the back-and-forth action, the two teams remained separated by just three points.
Goff showcased his season-long accuracy, delivering a near-perfect performance in the fourth quarter. In the end, Detroit managed the clock expertly, setting up Bates to nail the game-winning field goal in the final seconds.
The Lions secured a thrilling 34-31 victory, marking their 11th straight win and solidifying their position atop the NFC. They are still the number-one seed, but face the Bills, 49ers, Vikings, and Bears in the last four games. The Packers are 9-4 now but remain in the hunt for the wild-card spot.
