Packers seek answers after being ‘whupped’ and ‘manhandled’

GREEN BAY — To appreciate just how angry, frustrated, exasperated, annoyed, flabbergasted — should we keep going? — Matt LaFleur was in the aftermath of Thursday night’s 34-20 loss to the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field, here are just a few of the responses the Green Bay Packers coach had during a 10-minute Q&A session following the loss.

“They whupped us pretty good.”

“They manhandled us, really, in every phase.”

“That’s a recipe for losing football.”

“It’s hard to throw on your back.”

“That was humiliating, being down 27-3 at half.”

“We’re going to have to do something different (on defense).”

That doesn’t even include the moment when LaFleur told a reporter, “That’s a B.S. question, man,” or when LaFleur opined “it’s insane to do the same things over and over again and expect a different result,” when he was asked about a run defense that has now ceded more than 200 yards in two of the team’s four games so far this season.

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Yep, it was that kind of night.

And if all that sounds vastly different than what LaFleur had said as training camp drew to a close in August, that’s because it is.

Back then, knowing that he had the NFL’s youngest roster, LaFleur spoke of how the team “can’t get totally focused on the outcome” and emphasized the importance of being “process-driven.” 

That’s a lot easier in theory, before you’ve played a single game that counts in the standings.

But following a season-opening win over what appears to be an abysmal Chicago Bears team, taking a 12-point lead into the fourth quarter of a Week 2 loss at Atlanta, and tying the franchise record for the biggest fourth-quarter deficit ever overcome in Sunday’s 18-17 win over New Orleans, it’s a lot harder for ultra-competitive people to not focus on the outcome.

Even LaFleur had to acknowledge that after watching his team pull to within 27-17 early in the fourth quarter, fueling hopes of another epic rally.

“I’m proud of our guys. I felt like we went out there, we competed in the second half,” LaFleur confessed. “Obviously, we were in such a hole. That’s two weeks in a row we put ourselves in a bad situation. We were very fortunate (against the Saints) to come out of it, and tonight against a really good team, it was an impossible hole to overcome.”

How deep was said hole? Not only was LaFleur’s team booed off the field (again) down 27-3, but the Packers had been outgained 284-21 in net yardage and didn’t manage to get a first down until 7 minutes, 51 seconds remained in the half — and that conversion came via penalty.

Of their first five offensive possessions, the only time they didn’t go three-and-out was when quarterback Jordan Love threw an interception to start their fourth series.

“I’ve been a part of some tough games, but that was a very hard first half,” said Love, who was under siege during the first half (when he completed 6 of 13 passes for 50 yards with an interception and four sacks for a 24.5 rating) and finished the night 23 of 36 for 246 yards with one touchdown pass, two interceptions and five sacks for a passer rating of 69.9.

“We just weren’t executing, we weren’t moving the ball, we weren’t taking advantage of the opportunities the defense was giving us. It’s something that we’ve just got to look at. I think that’s two weeks in a row that we started really slow on offense, just haven’t ‘been able to get anything going.

“I think everybody just has to play better at the start of the game, me included. I’ve got to be able to come out and start fast and put points up so we’re not playing from behind and making it harder on the defense.”

The defense has its own problems, of course. After Rudy Ford intercepted Jared Goff on the Lions’ third offensive snap, Detroit (3-1) scored on its next four possessions — three touchdowns and a field goal.

And when Love’s 9-yard touchdown on a quarterback draw pulled the Packers within 10 — and, had Love not been stopped just short of the goal line on the ensuing 2-point conversion, within another touchdown and 2-point conversion of tying the game — Green Bay’s defense faltered.

By the time the unit got a stop, on third-and-9 from the Green Bay 18 to force a 30-yard field goal to make it 30-17, inside linebacker Quay Walker was flagged for jumping over the line of scrimmage from farther than 1 yard away, a personal foul that set up first-and-goal at the Packers’ 6.

When running back David Montgomery plowed through the defensive line on fourth-and-goal from the 1 to make it 34-17 with 6 minutes to play, the Packers (2-2) were finished.

The only question that remained after that? What exactly LaFleur has planned for a defense that he openly questioned in the wake of the loss — a response that was more jarring than all those other frustrated one-liners he delivered.

“We’re going to have to do something different, because it’s insane to do the same things over and over again and expect a different result,” LaFleur said of a unit that’s in its third year with Joe Barry as the coordinator.

“That is a good offensive line; they’ve got really good runners. I think (Jahmyr) Gibbs and Montgomery are two of the better backs; that’s one of the best offensive lines in ball. But it’s still inexcusable. You should be able to take one phase away. If you want to stop the run and commit to that, make ‘em throw it over your head.”

Photos: View the Packers’ loss to the Lions on ‘Thursday Night Football’

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) scores on a 3-yard touchdown run in front of Green Bay Packers cornerback Rasul Douglas (29) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)

Mike Roemer

Detroit Lions wide receiver Josh Reynolds, left, catches a pass in front of Green Bay Packers cornerback Carrington Valentine during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)

Matt Ludtke

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell watches from the sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)

Matt Ludtke

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) scores on a 2-yard touchdown run in front of Green Bay Packers safety Darnell Savage (26) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Morry Gash

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) tries to break a tackle by Green Bay Packers cornerback Carrington Valentine (37) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Morry Gash

Detroit Lions cornerback Jerry Jacobs (23) intercepts a pass in front of Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (9) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Morry Gash

Detroit Lions cornerback Jerry Jacobs (23) celebrates after intercepting a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Morry Gash

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery, left, celebrates with teammates after a 2-yard touchdown run during the first half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Morry Gash

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) celebrates after a 2-yard touchdown run during the first half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Morry Gash

Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond (11) runs from Green Bay Packers safety Rudy Ford (20) after catching a pass during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)

Mike Roemer

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) runs from Green Bay Packers linebacker Rashan Gary (52) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)

Mike Roemer

Detroit Lions cornerback Jerry Jacobs (23) intercepts a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)

Mike Roemer

Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch, left, breaks up a pass intended for Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (9) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Morry Gash

Green Bay Packers tight end Luke Musgrave (88) is tackled by Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) after catching a pass during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Morry Gash

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (11) fumbles a punt in front of Detroit Lions cornerback Chase Lucas (27) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Morry Gash

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) is sacked by Detroit Lions defensive tackle Alim McNeill (54) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Morry Gash

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) is tackled by Green Bay Packers linebacker Quay Walker (7) after catching a pass during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Morry Gash

Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur watches from the sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Morry Gash

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) passes as he is hit by Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Morry Gash

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) is hit as he passes in front of Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (97) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)

Mike Roemer

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)

Mike Roemer

Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond (11) is tackled by Green Bay Packers safety Jonathan Owens (34) after catching a pass during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)

Mike Roemer

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) runs with the ball during the first half of a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)

Jeffrey Phelps

Detroit Lions cornerback Jerry Jacobs (23) intercepts a pass during the first half of a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)

Jeffrey Phelps

Detroit Lions cornerback Jerry Jacobs (23) runs after intercepting a pass during the first half of a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)

Jeffrey Phelps

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) runs in for a touchdown during the first half of a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)

Jeffrey Phelps

Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) leaps into the crowd after a touchdown catch during the first half of a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)

Jeffrey Phelps

Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) catches a touchdown during the first half of a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)

Jeffrey Phelps

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) runs in for a touchdown during the first half of a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)

Jeffrey Phelps

Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) runs after the catch during the first half of a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)

Jeffrey Phelps

Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (97) reacts during the first half of a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)

Jeffrey Phelps

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the first half of a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)

Jeffrey Phelps

Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones (33) is flipped by Detroit Lions defenders during the first half of a NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)

Jeffrey Phelps

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) is tackled by Green Bay Packers linebacker Quay Walker (7) after catching a pass during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)

Matt Ludtke

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (9) celebrates with teammate Romeo Doubs (87) after catching a 1-yard touchdown pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Morry Gash

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) scores on a 9-yard touchdown run during the second half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)

Matt Ludtke

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) celebrates after scoring on a 9-yard touchdown run during the second half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)

Mike Roemer

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Samori Toure (83) catches a pass over Detroit Lions cornerback Jerry Jacobs (23) during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Morry Gash

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff talks with Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) after an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. The Lions won 34-20. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)

Mike Roemer

Fans watch the closing moments during the second half of a NFL football game between the Green Bay Packers and the Detroit LionsThursday, Sept. 28, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)

Jeffrey Phelps

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (11) catches a long pass during the second half of a NFL football game against the Detroit Lions Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)

Jeffrey Phelps

Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur speaks during a news conference after an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. The Lions won 34-20. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)

Mike Roemer

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