The Detroit Lions claimed bragging rights with a victory over the Green Bay Packers on Thursday, December 5. But as is often the case with high-profile NFL games, trolling was rampant before, during, and after the matchup. Now, some Lions players are speaking out about the “disrespectful” trash talk, using the win as an opportunity to flex.
Packers’ Pre-Game Trash Talk Sparks Reactions
After the Lions’ victory, cornerback Carlton Davis addressed the Packers’ pre-game confidence. Green Bay believed they could dismantle Detroit’s injury-riddled defense, but reality didn’t match their predictions.
“They were saying craziness, like Jordan Love was going to pass for 430 or some … like that,” Davis told reporters. “I don’t know, but that was disrespectful. Like, what the … you know what I mean? But, whatever. I think he had like 200 passing yards, and we gave up some B.S. We’ll see them again next year or hopefully in the playoffs. But, it’s not over yet.”
While Davis didn’t appreciate the Packers’ boasting, he emphasized that the Lions weren’t looking to embarrass their opponents—just to win.
When asked if the Lions had humiliated Green Bay, Davis responded, “Nah, nah. We’re not trying to humiliate them.”
He added, “That’s just how we play ball. Coach said it before the game, ‘We’re going for all the fourth-and-1’s, fourth-and-shorts, that’s what we’re about to do.’ And it’s like, ‘Yeah, do it, coach.’ Cause if y’all don’t get it, we’re gonna get back on the field and play ball.”
More Lions Speak Out About Packers Trash Talk
Defensive lineman Za’Darius Smith, a former Packer, also weighed in on the negativity coming from Green Bay. Having spent time with the Packers, this game held extra significance for him.
After the win, Smith spoke with NFL Network’s Stacey Dales, who brought up the idea of it being a revenge game.
“Za’Darius, you told me this week, kind of a little bit of a revenge game because you gave that franchise, for three years, your everything,” Dales said.
Smith clarified, “Two years I gave it to them, and once I got hurt, they sent me down like I wasn’t nothing. But, I’m glad to be on the other side now. You know I had a chance to go to the Vikings and get my revenge. And I came to Detroit and got my revenge again.”
Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur Blasts Fan Behavior
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur expressed frustration with Ford Field’s security after a heated altercation with a Lions fan.
LaFleur confronted the fan, who was helping hold the American flag during the national anthem, accusing him of taunting players and making a throat-slash gesture.
“You’re trying to de-escalate it, and then he gets in my face,” LaFleur told reporters.
“I thought it was pretty unsportsmanlike,” he continued. “Like, I’ve never seen that. I have been on many fields, usually they police that much better. I just thought it was an arrogant fan that wanted to get in part of the action. I’d like to see security step in there and get him out of there. He shouldn’t be doing that.”
