Cory's Corner: The Packers Bullied The Bully
DETROIT — Matt LaFleur did his best Dan Campbell impression on Thursday.
With the Packers clinging to a seven-point lead with 1:55 left, LaFleur gave Campbell a piece of his own medicine. It was fourth-and-3 at the Lions 45. Detroit burned all their timeouts. Get the first down and the Packers earn a season sweep of the Lions and get some tasty Thanksgiving turkey as an added bonus.
LaFleur first called timeout and even I was like, “OK, he was just bluffing. He’s going to send out the punt team and ask the defense to close this out.”
Boy was I wrong.
Jordan Love and the offense came trotting back on the field. Love felt pressure on his right side, faded back and threw a dart to Dontayvion Wicks with Pro Bowl safety Brian Branch draped all over him. Wicks not only high-pointed the ball, but lost his shoe in the process for a 16-yard gain.
Game over. Packers beat the Lions 31-24.
“It’s a great feeling, game on the line right there, fourth down,” said Love, who threw for 234 yards, four touchdowns and a passer rating of 124.2. It was his third game this year with a passer rating over 120. “Throw it up there and for him to make that catch is phenomenal.”
This is the mindset now. LaFleur has been criticized for not taking enough chances, but on Thursday the Packers scored both of their first half touchdowns on fourth down.
The Packers were 3-for-3 on fourth down, while Campbell’s Riverboat Gamblers were 0-for-2. That was the game.
“Man, I loved it,” said Wicks, who had six catches for 94 yards and two touchdowns. Thursday was the first time he made it to the end zone this season after suffering a calf injury at Arizona in Week 7. “Coach believing in you and you just go out and make the plays, that’s going to keep him believing.”
The Packers are now 8-3-1 and 3-0 in the NFC North. They are in great shape to claim their first division title since 2021 with two games against the Bears. According to The Athletic, the Packers are projected to finish with an 11-5-1 record, good for the No. 2 seed in the NFC behind the Rams (13-4).
This team has been interesting because it continues to reinvent itself. First, it won games mainly via the big play, then it was able to lean on its running game and defense and now it is through believing in its players to be able get the job done in a big spot.
If anything, this win should give this locker room plenty of juice. This is the identity of this team — not settling, going for the throat and putting teams away when at all possible.
And let’s not forget that Micah Parsons is tied for the league lead with 35 pressures and third with 12.5 sacks. He gave Jared Goff happy feet on Thursday and forced him to get it out early. Parsons is now the first player in NFL history to have 12-plus sacks in each of his first five seasons. Parsons is easily worth his weight in gold after FOX color commentator Tom Brady joked on the broadcast that the only recourse for offensive linemen was to hold him. And the Lions certainly went back for seconds and thirds of the Holding Hot Dish provided by the patchwork Detroit offensive line.
This team is starting to find itself at the perfect time. It’s not explosive plays, but it’s grit and determination.
The mindset is simple: We are better than you and now we’re going to prove it.
Dontayvion Wicks 6 REC, 100 Total YDS, 2 TDs vs DET Today.
What a game.pic.twitter.com/iEfi9WLIc0 https://t.co/iB4TLwHKIG
— Football Performances (@NFLPerformances) November 27, 2025
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__________________________
Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn
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Comments (62)
dobber
November 29, 2025 at 07:21 am
These aren't the 2023 or 2024 Lions. Still, they're mostly about swagger and bravado...the Packers punched first in these couple games and never let them get that swagger on. As long as the Packers keep winning, the Lions could be one of their best allies by beating the NFC teams they run up against...including the Bears.
It's a warning to the Packers' front office that young rosters need to get paid eventually, and making the right decisions is really important. The Packers have been trying to proactively draft (WR, DE, OL, etc.) at some spots, anticipating turnover, but it's about whether or not some of those guys respond and develop. The Parsons trade was adding a tremendous playmaker, but it shifts the process significantly.
Guam
November 29, 2025 at 07:39 am
It looks like the Bears may not be frauds. They convincingly beat the Eagles in Philly. This will be a big game in Lambeau in eight days and LaFleur will need to maintain his aggressiveness. Timidity is not going to win the NFC North this year.
Coldworld
November 29, 2025 at 08:20 am
Their O requires them to run and the Eagles allowed them to run all day. It looks great when that happens. Their passing O was again not impressive despite that. Can a Wyatt-less D stand up to that run deluge? Well, we handled the Lions’ version again. We are better against speed than the Eagles and than we are against power running deployed determinedly. That should fit the Bears similarly.
I think this comes down to making them pass. I think we will struggle to run to victory either, so our offensive plan will be critical. Like last week we have to score and get ahead, but Williams isn’t Goff when it comes to hitting his receivers. I hope the DBs have been at the jugs and the tackling is back, it wasn’t good last week. McDuffie is not generally better than Quay, but against Williams and their run game, he may be next week.
Guam
November 29, 2025 at 09:50 am
Ben Johnson was/is the architect of the Lions' and Bears' rushing attacks so there is hope the Packer defense can contain the Bears just as they contained the Lions twice. The loss of Wyatt is going to hurt though and Brinson and Stackhouse are going to need to step up.
I agree that Williams is not impressive - he lacks accuracy.
The Bears' defense looked pretty solid against a good Eagles offense and LaFleur is going to have to be aggressive. As we all know, the Packer D plays better with a lead. Also hope our revamped O-line is up to the task of opening holes for Jacobs and giving Love time in the pocket.
HawkPacker
November 29, 2025 at 10:31 am
The Bears do look pretty solid. I miss the old bears.
LLCHESTY
November 29, 2025 at 08:33 am
Did the Bears convincingly beat the Eagles or did the Eagles convincingly self destruct? I'd lean towards the latter, especially if you take their previous week's game into account, when they gave up a 21 point lead.
I do have to wonder if Jordan Davis was in a tryptophan coma though. Earlier this year there was an advanced stat saying he was the most effective NT in the league vs the run. Also Jalen Carter has spent so much time on his butt the last two weeks Eagles fans are saying he's a better man than football player. 😱
Guam
November 29, 2025 at 09:56 am
The Eagles started 4-0 and have been 4-4 since then. Unfortunately they still beat the Packers in Green Bay during that 4-4 run. They are beatable, but they are not a bad team. I really thought the Bears were a bit of a fraud but beating Philly in Philly is impressive.
The Packers are going to have to bring their "A" game because the Bears will be motivated to prove they are real and hungry to beat a team that has owned them for a long time. This will not be an easy game.
Leatherhead
November 30, 2025 at 08:42 am
Actually, there are some nutjobs in Philly that want a coaching change. I know its hard to believe.
I will say this: For some reason, teams seem to play poorly against the Bears. Or they'll make an odd choice, or the ball will take an odd bounce, or something like that. The Bears have had good fortune this year.
murf7777
November 29, 2025 at 09:31 am
I have to admit, I might be wrong as rare as that is….lol. That said, I won’t give up the fraud terminology till da bears prove they can beat our Packers. Hopefully, that will be a long time from now.
Guam
November 29, 2025 at 10:00 am
The Packers have owned the Bears for so long that I hope they don't sleep on this game. It might be easy to assume "business as usual" against the Bears and LaFleur is not known for getting his team up for big games. The Packers will need to bring their "A" game to Lambeau to handle these upstarts.
jannesbjornson
November 29, 2025 at 12:04 pm
He was lucky not to be 0-4-2 against he Bears in 2024. They have acquired a lot of talent. Two solid TEs, Odunze is a big play threat and Johnson knows how to use D.J. Moore. Their secondary is getting healthy with some very capable safeties. Best to get these Bears in a shoot out by stopping Swift.
mrtundra
November 29, 2025 at 07:57 am
Swept the Lions. 1-0, against the vikings, and about to play the Bears twice. Sweep them all!
WD
November 29, 2025 at 08:13 am
I watched with shock and awe as the Bears completely dominated the Eagles in Philadelphia. The Eagles simply could not stop the run as Chicago piled up over 200 yards with each of their two running backs gaining over 100 yards.. The Eagle defense just couldn't get off the field! Frankly, after yesterday I can't see the Bears losing to anyone. It pains me to say that as I hate the Bears. Miracles can happen and the Packers will need one to beat the Bears. No team has improved more this year.than them.
With the Wyatt loss at DT the Bears will use the run against us just as they did to Philly. Moreover their 7th round draft of a RB was the steal of the draft. I will try to be cautiously optimistic but I fear the odds are against us on this one. The fans in Philly were booing their own team (world champions) the whole game.. The Bears are hungry and they are eating. Packers beware.
Coldworld
November 29, 2025 at 08:26 am
We lost to the Eagles because of pathetic offensive approach. The Eagles are not in a good place and our effort against them really swum against their general dysfunction. The Lions ran to an equally impressive victory the weekend before last. How did that translate on Thursday? Goff is streets ahead of Williams as well. Cheer up. Unless LaFleur inexplicably goes back to his Eagles/Giants/Vikings game plans you should have reason for optimism.
PeteK
November 29, 2025 at 09:03 am
You mean where he tried to use the running game to win, coaches must have seen something bc bears just ran all over the birds.
Leatherhead
November 30, 2025 at 08:55 am
We lost to the Eagles...by 3 points....because they're a very good team and we had multiple turnovers. It had nothing to do with a "pathetic offensive approach". It had everything to do with the Eagles being a strong defense. Regardless of your "offensive approach", guys have to be blocked or your approach isn't going to amount to Jack Squat, and we didn't get the Eagles blocked very well.
I had to check the bit about Goff being "streets ahead" of Williams. If I were going to boil it down to one rating, I'd look at QBR where one is 14th and the other is 18th. Pretty similar. Williams is a Top 10 yardage guy, protects the ball, doesn't take a lot of drive-killing sacks. He's not chopped liver.
LLCHESTY
November 29, 2025 at 08:40 am
Fubared? Is that you?
PeteK
November 29, 2025 at 09:08 am
Three headed run attack, gelling O line, and healthier Reed & Golden might have something to say about that. Yes, losing Wyatt does not help, but getting Quay and a healthy Van Ness back will suffice. We are a tough Black & Blue team right now.
murf7777
November 29, 2025 at 10:01 am
Did you really say “can’t see the Bears losing to anyone”…..That’s a quite a bold and what I think is a wrong statement.
My reasons are because although turnovers are very important it’s very hard to continue to have them throughout a year. Another reason they continue winning is having comeback wins, it’s just not sustainable. Their defense is questionable. They give up the 3rd worst 6.1 yards per play. In addition, they have a QB who completion percentage is less than 60%, when top QB’s complete in the 70% area.
IMO, The key to beating them is to contain Williams inside the pocket, stop the run and make him beat you through the air. We will find out if the Packers can do that Sunday.
ricky
November 29, 2025 at 08:14 am
Three things struck me about the game.
First, MLF seems to finally be trusting Love to lead the team, and come through with big plays when needed.
Second, Parsons was getting held on almost every play earlier in the game. After Parsons and MLF both told the refs to start calling these obvious calls, the Lions couldn't handle the pass rush.
Finally, the refs the last two weeks seem to be calling a lot less penalties than previously. Though if it is something that is very obvious, such as the Lions defender literally holding down Watson's left arm to prevent a first down catch, they should call it.
But it is refreshing that the game actually moves more smoothly, rather than a flag, a conference by all the refs, the announcement of the decision, and then the placement of the ball. That breaks any rhythm for the offense, and prevents any kind of up tempo play calling.
NFLfan
November 29, 2025 at 08:16 am
Excellent coaching, culture and signing the right players can accelerate a team's ascension.
mjbrogno
November 29, 2025 at 08:17 am
Going for it on 4th down is one thing but, the yardage gained blows me away. The confidence level of this team based on the win has to be high. Congrats to MLF in showing that he will lay it on the line. The old line of “Playing not to lose the game “ was flushed down the drain. Bring on the Bears and remember, The “Bears still suck”, GO Pack Go!!!
LLCHESTY
November 29, 2025 at 08:50 am
I don't know if I'd call it bullying or not but they had a lot of success using a 6th lineman. 8½ yards a snap is nothing to sneeze at. I do wonder if Dusty is still counting Whyle as a TE when he was lined up at FB, I thought I saw that at least once with Kinnard.
https://x.com/DustyEvely/status/1994441564437807118?t=Rc_3utnNWzlCipf10q...
LambeauPlain
November 29, 2025 at 09:45 am
Very interesting stat. Many were calling for the old U-71 (Barry as the 6th lineman for Ahman Green) and when used it looked to be working well...but I did not know It was getting over 8 yards!
LLCHESTY
November 29, 2025 at 10:49 am
Points to LaFleur finding something he likes when throwing out of that formation.
Oppy
December 02, 2025 at 04:41 am
It points to LaFleur realizing he doesn't have another TE on the roster who is even half as capable of a blocker as Tucker Kraft was, and he's realized that checking in an OL as an eligible receiver to regain that blocking component means he doesn't have to completely re-work his 11/12 personnel package playbook to maintain the protection/run blocking integrity, at the cost of having less flexibility out of the formation because he won't have the same route pattern options available as when he's got a TE in there.
That's what he found that he likes.. he can still execute those plays without the play getting blown up in the backfield.
Leatherhead
November 29, 2025 at 09:25 am
Once Upon a Time, the Lions were ahead at halftime of the Championship game, but they choked it away. The next season, they didn't win a single playoff game. This year, they may not make the playoffs.
IN DECLINE. The window is closing for this bunch. They're 3rd in the division.
I've watched several of these miracle Chicago wins, and the question I have is why does every team they face play their worst game of the year against them? How are they managing that?
Why play Detroit before Chicago? Business before pleasure.
Ihappydirt
November 29, 2025 at 02:59 pm
Agree Chi is winning with smoke and mirrors. Saw a stat that said Chi is winning 100% (6-0 or 7-0) of games when their QB is under 60% accuracy passing, while the rest of the league is at 31% in that situation. Chi should regress, although part of what is making that happen is all the turnovers they've collected. GB will need to protect the ball.
NickPerry
November 29, 2025 at 09:26 am
After the Packers won Thursday afternoon and I was just thinking about what I had watched, I had a feeling of optimism I haven't had this year yet. The reason for it? The Green Bay Packers had just played a COMPELTE game for the first time all season. They played 60 minutes of quality football, offensively, defensively, and on ST.
It wasn't just the players played their best but MLF also coached and called his best game of the year. Did I love everything LaFleur did Thursday? No, not everything. I've never been crazy about a deep pass on 4th and 2 while in FG range. Especially early in the game. They also got really fortunate with the call of a TD on that first TD.
But just like last week when he had a a very specific plan vs Minnesota, he had a very specific plan to beat the Lions. He was going to go out and TAKE the win and that's exactly what the Packers and MLF did. I know it won't always turn out as rosy as it did Thursday, but if MLF stays consistent with THIS approach, I'll take it.
GO PACK GO!!
The Bears are going to get SMASHED! F##K the Bears!
Leatherhead
November 29, 2025 at 09:32 am
It's easy to say he coached his best game of the year when we're 3-3 on 4th down. If we'd gone 1-2, he's a dumbass who doesn't know how to win..
He always has a very specific plan for a game. Every coach does.
murf7777
November 29, 2025 at 10:09 am
Don’t use logic LH. I was one who didn’t like the last 4th down play. If we miss the play they get the ball around mid-field. Punt the ball and make them go the length of the field. Especially, because they had to score a TD which is much more difficult when driving the whole field. Isn’t that why we put all that money into Parsons?
I’ve never been a supporter of all gas, no brakes……ask Campbell how that’s working out for him.
Turophile
November 30, 2025 at 03:17 am
Gas on the straights, a little brake on the corners. That's playing smart.
marpag1
November 30, 2025 at 04:46 am
LaFleur's 'game-winner" and Cambell's try that clanked off of Jamison Williams ... both of them were BAD calls, IMO.
I like agressiveness. I'm not as fond of "All gas and no brains..."
HawkPacker
November 29, 2025 at 10:46 am
Right before they completed the 4th down pass, I thought they should have run the ball to continue to eat clock. I feel we were quite lucky to actually convert that 4th down. If we don't the Lions get great field position to tie the game.
Just my opinion but was not happy at the time.
pantz_bURp
November 29, 2025 at 10:08 am
Now, I really appreciate Coach Campbell and would have loved to played for a coach like that in WIAA Class C in northern WI.
What I have to admit, that I didn't see coming:
* the first game, Coach LaF took Coach Campbell's lunch with the extra pudding snack.
* this last game, Coach LaF took Coach Campbell's girl.
Outjuries suck, and both teams are having to adjust.
GPG,
Pantz "kneecaps" Burp
LLCHESTY
November 29, 2025 at 10:55 am
With all the snow we're supposed to be getting in the next 24 hours i stopped and grabbed the stuff I need to make a pot of chili so I can just hunker down today and tomorrow. Between that and a bunch of wine leftover from Thanksgiving I'm coming for your mantle of the Rootinest Tootinest poster on this site! Thankfully I have plenty of Cottonelle Courtesy Wipes!
pantz_bURp
November 29, 2025 at 11:06 am
Just remember LLC, the job isn't finished until the paperwork is done.
I love me some chili. But, never, ever have some before a first date. It didnt end so well. And, she misdiagnosed my figgettiness for being nervous sitting by her on HER couch.
PB
LLCHESTY
November 29, 2025 at 12:06 pm
Was it a white couch? 🤔😲
pantz_bURp
November 29, 2025 at 01:06 pm
"was"
*that night I figured out the origin of the term, "couch potato".
PB
LambeauPlain
November 29, 2025 at 10:17 am
What's the word on LVN? Did he re-injure the foot or just tweak it? He's good vs the run and need him on Lambeau Field next Sunday. Quay Walker joining him will help too.
Packers D vs bares O is going to be a battle. Bares have the 6th best offense in yards/game and the #1 rushing attack. Packers Defense is 4th in points, 7th in pass defense, 8th in rush offense.
However the Packers should be able to move the ball and score vs the bares D being 27th in points, 22nd in pass D, and 27th against the run. And the Packers are an opportune group being 1st on 3rd down, 3rd in red zone scoring. LaFleur is dialing up scoring plays near the goal line and Love is really coming on making plays. They are in the top half of the NFL in yards/game, passing, rushing, and points.
It should be a time of possession game for the Packers. Long, clock chewing, scoring drives and keep the bares O off the field with 3 and outs.
STs? I have no clue with that Jeckle and Hyde operation.
Ihappydirt
November 29, 2025 at 03:03 pm
So far we only know tweak. MLF doesn't have to say anything more until next Wed.
LeotisHarris
November 29, 2025 at 11:06 am
Dobber has kicked this around before, and I agree, that coaches like Dan Campbell have a shelf life. That coaching style in the modern NFL will only get a team so far. The Lions were there in the NFCCG, and crapped the bed in the second half. His bravado since his coordinators moved on has not yielded the same results. The Lions are a talented team, but they've reached the point where they're only willing to run around a wall for the guy making decisions. The man looks exhausted.
The Bears are improved. How can they not be better? I expected them to lose to the Eagles, but they got a big road win ( didn't watch the game because f*ck Bezos). The little I've seen of them this season, Caleb has been unimpressive at best. Looking forward to another good effort from our guys.
Bitternotsour
November 29, 2025 at 11:25 am
While I understand your animosity toward Jeff Bezos, will you not think for a moment about us poor shareholders. It's cold in the winter, and I'd like to keep heating my loft.
LeotisHarris
November 29, 2025 at 02:39 pm
What would Coach Lombardi think of your need for heat in the so-called PNW winter?
Bitternotsour
November 29, 2025 at 11:03 pm
I didn't think you'd turn out to be a weather truther.
Bitternotsour
November 29, 2025 at 11:28 am
Campbell should coach in college. The turnover makes his message fresh. Jim Harbaugh too has a shelf life
LLCHESTY
November 29, 2025 at 12:08 pm
So you're saying success lies somewhere between Marty Schottenheimer and Dan Campbell?
LeotisHarris
November 29, 2025 at 02:34 pm
Maybe? Who knows anymore in this big ol' goofy world?
Leatherhead
November 30, 2025 at 09:02 am
Sometimes, a coach "fits" and other times, he doesn't. Did Belichick win in Cleveland? Jimmy Johnson in Miami? How about Joe Gibbs when he took a second shot at the Redskins? Sometimes, the coach that gets you to the top isn't the guy who can keep you there. Players tune you out (like Rodgers tuned out McCarthy).
As regards Campbell, everybody likes "fiery", but you cannot live inside of a volcano. It wears on you.
Stinky Cheese
November 29, 2025 at 01:53 pm
PSA. Bears fans are not afraid of your QB either. Friendly wager says CW outplays Jordan “throw off my backfoot” Love
Your defense does look legit though
bleedgreen
November 29, 2025 at 02:13 pm
CW is going down.
Ihappydirt
November 29, 2025 at 03:07 pm
Bears fans are always oblivious. I'll take that wager. As I posted above, Chi has a 6-0 or 7-0 record when Williams completes fewer than 60% of his passes while the rest of the league is winning at a 31% clip. Jordan Love is coming on, playing some of his best ball lately. And just as important, MLF isn't handcuffing him as much.
Stinky Cheese
November 29, 2025 at 05:23 pm
Lead the league in explosive plays. I’ll take that over a high completion percentage.
Packers fans are in denial, their demise is certain with a 50M average QB and no first round draft picks. Loves best move is the 50/50 ball. This year or next year, Da Bears reign is coming!🐻⬇️
Ihappydirt
November 29, 2025 at 07:57 pm
Love is 3rd in explosive plays and is completing 67.0% compared to Williams' 58.1%. And Love has dealt with more drops, so obviously I'd choose Love,
More importantly, even though Chi has a 26.1 ppg scoring edge over GB's 24.5, GB is only giving up 18,8 while Chi is allowing 25.6.
Ihappydirt
November 29, 2025 at 09:07 pm
Equates to a +6 point differential with a 9-3 record. Another of those things that will regress to the mean.
bleedgreen
November 29, 2025 at 09:51 pm
Oh what's this? J.Love #2 in qbr. CW # 18 not so much.
marpag1
November 30, 2025 at 04:25 am
With Caleb, every ball is a 50/50 ball.
But I do understand history. It's not surprising that a Bears fan would look at a Packers QB who is "only" 3-1 against them and think that it's an improvement.
LLCHESTY
November 30, 2025 at 10:47 pm
"This year or next year, Da Bears reign is coming!🐻⬇️"
Gee, never heard that one before. Except for every off-season the last 10 years. Now I'm afeared!
Oppy
November 30, 2025 at 11:03 pm
The reason why Bears fans are such lousy appraisers of QB play is they haven't had a good QB to observe up close in CHI since Sid Luckman.
Coldworld
November 29, 2025 at 04:24 pm
Unlike last year, we went after their secondary. It’s vulnerable. Unlike last year we were all over Goff at times. As we all know, he is vulnerable. Take him away and their run game is speed. As is our backfield’s. Better tactics than last year or recently.
NFLfan
November 29, 2025 at 04:56 pm
Ben Johnson is focusing on dynamic trench 'warfare'.--the run game. And, he's not overly-reliant on Williams.
I would take this team seriously.
Starrbrite
November 29, 2025 at 05:42 pm
Dobby—that’s a great point about the Lions becoming our allies in winning the division.