Detroit Lions stun Packers behind late-game stand, force 3 picks to snap 5-game losing streak

DETROIT – The Detroit Lions and their last-ranked defense in terms of points and yards allowed in the NFL picked off future hall-of-fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers three times to defeat the Green Bay Packers 15-9 at Ford Field.

After readjusting their coaching staff, the struggling Lions’ defense came out with something to prove as they held their known nemesis and tormentor to under 10 points in front of a raucous crowd, thanks in part to their young playmakers on the defensive side of the ball.

Kerby Joseph

Lions safety Kerby Joseph had himself a day. The rookie picked off Rodgers twice, including his first interception, which came in the red zone on first down.

He followed that unusual interception with an unbelievable pass deflection imitating the Jumpman logo on third down and 11, saving a touchdown from wide receiver Samori Toure.

He followed that up with another monumental play which infuriated Rodgers even more, sending him to the sideline, mumbling to either himself or someone in his headset.

Joseph finished the day with a career-high seven tackles, two interceptions, and one pivotal pass deflection, with head coach Dan Campbell thanking his defensive coordinator.

“I’m proud of them,” said Campbell. “I just gave the game ball to AG (Aaron Glenn). He coaches his heart out, and you put everything into it, which he always does.”

Campbell continued:

“We needed a minimum of two today. Kerby Joseph came up big today. Hutch (Aidan Hutchinson) got one. But as a whole, that defense rose up. I thought we played aggressive, and I did think we challenged the perimeter. Some of the plays that they made, we were in the fight, and that’s all you can ask for.”

Aidan Hutchinson

Aidan Hutchinson made his presence felt Sunday (Nov. 6) afternoon, especially in the red zone at the start of the second quarter.

Rodgers and the cheese heads were trying some trickery, with left tackle David Bakhtiari reporting as an eligible receiver. But the end zone pass was well short of the mark, and Hutchinson used his athleticism and made a play.

“Aaron Rodgers said he gave me a gift during the game, and I was like, ‘A, I’ll take it, gift or not.’ That was my first pick, and now I’m excited,” said Hutchinson.

The interception was the first of his career for the former Michigan Wolverines standout, but the play was enormous for him and his teammates, and he knew it.

“We just kept fighting, man,” Hutchinson said. “We stayed in the fight, and now we’re 2-6, but it took a lot of heart and drive to get to where we are right now, and now we’re going to build off of it.”

Hutchinson continued:

“This is a big step for us,” Hutchinson said. “We’re moving on from all of our fourth quarter crumbles, and this is something that we can build off of. We got this one under our belt and now let’s just keep moving forward.”

The new-look defense will look to keep the good times rolling as they will take on the two-point favorite Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Kickoff is 1 p.m. Was Sunday’s game the turning point for the Lions, or will they return to their losing ways?