FIRST DOWN: FINISHING GAMES
Wide receiver Kenny Golladay stood in front of his locker after Monday's 23-22 loss in Green Bay on a last second Mason Crosby field goal and told reporters that this Lions team needs to find a way finish football games.
"Just missed opportunities," said Golladay, who finished with five catches for 121 yards on the night. "We have to find a way to finish. That's a big part of it, we need to find a way to finish. We left a lot of points out there."
Detroit's offense got the ball into the end zone just once, and had to settle for five Matt Prater field goals in the contest. On the road, against Aaron Rodgers, that's a recipe for disaster.
It wasn't just on the offense, however.
Green Bay was able to milk the final six minutes and 46 seconds off the clock, moving down the field to get into position to kick a game-winning 26-yard field goal as time expired with the defense not being able to make a stop.
It was the same thing two weeks ago in a close loss to Kansas City, with the offense mishandling scoring opportunities and the defense unable to make a late stop with the lead.
Detroit finished late in wins vs. Philadelphia and the Los Angeles Chargers.
They didn't in the tie with Arizona and the losses to KC and now Green Bay.
Somehow, someway, Detroit has to find a way to make more of the plays late in the game that get them on the right side of the scoreboard.
View photos from the Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers Week 6 game at Lambeau Field on Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis.
Detroit Lions fans before a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions fans before a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) warms up before a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions fans before a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. (11) warms up before a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions fullback Nick Bawden (46) before a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions fullback Nick Bawden (46) warms up before a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. (11) warms up before a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) smiles before a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Jamal Agnew (39) before a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Ty Johnson (31) warms up before a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) warms up before a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay (23) smiles before a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tight end Jesse James (83) warms up before a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) smiles before a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive backs warm up before a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions safety Tavon Wilson (32) before a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia before a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. (11) warms up before a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) takes the field before a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker (68) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) before a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
National Anthem before a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions punter Sam Martin (6) kicks off during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Mike Ford (38) on special teams during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Mike Ford (38) on kickoff coverage during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions safety Miles Killebrew (35) on kickoff coverage during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions safety C.J. Moore (49) on special teams during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions center/guard Graham Glasgow (60) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) catches a 66-yard pass on a flea-flicker during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) catches a 66-yard pass on a flea-flicker during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions kicker Matt Prater (5) kicks an extra point during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions kicker Matt Prater (5) and Detroit Lions punter Sam Martin (6) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions kicker Matt Prater (5) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions long snapper Don Muhlbach (48) celebrates a made field goal during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Justin Coleman (27) breaks up a pass during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Hall (17) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Hall (17) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) and Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker (68) celebrate a touchdown during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions safety Tavon Wilson (32) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions safety Tavon Wilson (32) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions special teams during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Jamal Agnew (39) fields a kickoff during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Hall (17) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Frank Ragnow (77) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. (11) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Devon Kennard (42) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive back Tracy Walker (21) celebrates a stop during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Dee Virgin (30) forces a fumble on a punt during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Justin Coleman (27) breaks up a pass during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Justin Coleman (27) celebrates a pass breakup during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Jahlani Tavai (51) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions guard Kenny Wiggins (79) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Kerryon Johnson (33) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Kerryon Johnson (33) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker (68) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions safety Will Harris (25) celebrates a tackle on special teams during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions safety Will Harris (25) makes a tackle on special teams during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Jamal Agnew (39) and Detroit Lions cornerback Justin Coleman (27) on special teams during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions guard Kenny Wiggins (79) and Detroit Lions long snapper Don Muhlbach (48) on special teams during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions safety Tavon Wilson (32) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive tackle A'Shawn Robinson (91) rushes the passer during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defense recovers a fumble during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive tackle A'Shawn Robinson (91) celebrates forcing a fumble that the defense recovered during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Danny Amendola (80) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive end Trey Flowers (90) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Hall (17) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Jahlani Tavai (51) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defense during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws a pass during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions kicker Matt Prater (5) and Detroit Lions punter Sam Martin (6) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Christian Jones (52) celebrates a fumble recovery during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions safety C.J. Moore (49) downs a punt on special teams during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. (11) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Jamal Agnew (39) fields a kickoff during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Christian Jones (52) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions punter Sam Martin (6) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay (23) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay (23) and Detroit Lions defensive back Tracy Walker (21) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Rashaan Melvin (29) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson (88) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Justin Coleman (27) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive tackle A'Shawn Robinson (91) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive tackle Damon Harrison Sr. (98) and Detroit Lions linebacker Jahlani Tavai (51) celebrate a stock during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive tackle Damon Harrison Sr. (98) celebrates a sack during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) at the line of scrimmage during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive end Trey Flowers (90) and the defense during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive end Romeo Okwara (95) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Justin Coleman (27) intercepts a pass during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Justin Coleman (27) intercepts a pass during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Justin Coleman (27) returns an interception during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Justin Coleman (27) intercepts a pass during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Justin Coleman (27) celebrates an interception with Detroit Lions defensive back Tracy Walker (21) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Jamal Agnew (39) on kickoff coverage during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Devon Kennard (42) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Rashaan Melvin (29) breaks up a pass during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Rashaan Melvin (29) celebrates a pass breakup during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Christian Jones (52) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions kicker Matt Prater (5) kicks a field goal during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions kicker Matt Prater (5) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions punter Sam Martin (6) kicks off during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions guard Kenny Wiggins (79) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back J.D. McKissic (41) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions guard Joe Dahl (66) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tight end Jesse James (83) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson (88) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (44) makes a tackle on special teams during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Christian Jones (52) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) hands to Detroit Lions running back Kerryon Johnson (33) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. (11) catches a pass during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) runs with the ball during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive end Trey Flowers (90) before a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Jahlani Tavai (51) following a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
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SECOND DOWN: STEADY PRATER
Lions head coach Matt Patricia couldn't have liked the fact that his offense went 3-for-13 on third down Monday night and were forced to kick five field goals.
But, if you have to kick them, you better make them.
Kicker Matt Prater was up to that task, hitting from 26, 22, 41, 51 and 54 yards. The 51 and 54-yarders were the 49th and 50th of his career from 50-plus yards. He is now 50-of-65 on field goals from 50-plus yards, good for an NFL-record 76.9 conversion percentage.
On the year, Prater is now 12-of-14 kicking field goals and 11-of-12 on extra point tries.
It's not ideal sending out the field goal kicker, but at least when Prater is called upon, he's proving once again he's one of the steadiest and most consistent in the league.
THIRD DOWN: RED ZONE WOES
Detroit was just 1-for-3 in the red zone in Green Bay.
Two weeks ago in a loss to Kansas City, the Lions were 3-of-6. That's just four touchdowns in nine trips to the red zone in two consecutive games where the margin of loss combined was five points.
"In the red area execution has to be at his highest," Patricia said. "Whether it's communication, alignments, whatever it is, assignments, we certainly can't go backwards from that aspect on offense, and can't have penalties on defense. We have to clean that up."
According to Golladay, everyone has to take a long look at themselves to fix the problem of too many points being left on the field early on this season for the Lions. .
"It's really everyone doing their part," he said. "It's not focused on one person. Everybody doing their part."
FOURTH DOWN: TOO MANY MEN
It was just one penalty in a number of penalties the Lions will look back on and wonder, "what if?"
What if Green Bay had kicked that little chip-shot field goal in the second quarter after the Lions had forced an incompletion in the end zone on 3rd and 5? Instead of a short try and still potentially holding onto a double-digit 13-3 lead, the Lions had 12 men on the field.
Yellow flag.
Five free yards.
Another chance for Aaron Rodgers to score.
It's not advisable to give Rodgers extra chances to score. The Lions did, and Rogers found Jamaal Williams for a 5-yard score two plays later. Instead of 13-3, it was 13-7, and the Packers went on to win 23-22.
Those four extra points proved to be very costly.
"Yeah, we have a couple different calls in that situation, one of the guys didn't get the communication," Patricia said. "We have to get that fixed and make sure that doesn't happen. We can't give Aaron Rodgers another chance."
