“nobody takes it worse than they do” Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell reacts to their defeat at NFL first game week 1 defeat against Green Bay Packers with an honest message that was obviously true.

The Detroit Lions began the 2025 season with the intention of improving upon their 15-2 campaign from the previous year.

Rather, they emerged from Lambeau Field with more queries than answers following a 27-13 loss to the Green Bay Packers.

The performance was not sugarcoated by head coach Dan Campbell during his postgame media conference. Campbell Is Responsible for Its Mistakes Campbell expressed disappointment with the team’s cleanliness following the contest, stating, “I had anticipated that…”

“I had anticipated that we would be significantly more clean than we were.” Our athletes are responsible; no one endures the situation more severely than they do. We have some reputable individuals.”

The Packers were able to march 83 yards on the opening possession for a touchdown, as the Lions struggled to get off to a strong start. Jordan Love was unable to be rattled by Detroit’s defence, as he methodically completed 16-of-22 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns.

In the interim, the Lions’ renowned pass rush yielded zero sacks and only one pass defence (by cornerback Terrion Arnold, who subsequently withdrew due to a groin injury). The offence is unsuccessful.

On offence, the Lions encountered difficulty in the red zone, opting for field goals on three of their initial four possessions. Jared Goff, the quarterback, was efficient but uninspiring, completing 31-of-39 passes for 224 yards, one touchdown, and a costly interception. Detroit’s ground attack, which was a strength in 2024, was entirely contained.

Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery combined for a mere 44 yards on 20 carries, averaging 2.2 yards per attempt. With 10 catches, Gibbs did manage to lead the team in receptions; however, the total was a modest 31 yards. Late in the game, rookie Isaac TeSlaa scored a spectacular one-handed touchdown catch, which prevented Detroit from being shut out of the end zone until the final minute. This was the sole bright light.

Missed Opportunities and Discipline Issues If the offense’s inefficiency was not already irritating enough, penalties eliminated two potential game-changing plays.

One play later, safety Brian Branch’s pick-six was thwarted by a defensive holding penalty on Rock Ya-Sin, and linebacker Alex Anzalone dropped a potential interception. Aidan Hutchinson was flagged for unnecessary violence during the same return.

The night was encapsulated by Detroit’s errors, as the team never appeared at ease against a Packers team that appeared to be a legitimate contender for the NFC North, with newcomer Micah Parsons causing pandemonium. Moving Forward: Campbell’s Message Campbell reiterated his conviction in his locker room, regardless of the errors.

 

Campbell underscored that “our players are accountable.” “No one experiences it more severely than they do.” We have some reputable individuals.” The Lions will require those “good dudes” to swiftly recover.

Ben Johnson, the former offensive coordinator, and the Chicago Bears will be their next opponents when they visit Ford Field in Week 2.

It will be essential for Detroit to avoid digging an early-season crater and to silence doubters by delivering a bounce-back performance.