Game recap: The Packers were defeated 37-30 by the Lions in their regular-season finale at Ford Field on Sunday.
Game recap: here are five lessons learned from the loss
1. David Bakhtiari’s lengthy trek return to the field ended with a start at left tackle and firm performance
Bakhtiari hadn’t played since Week 16 of last season, but a long, complex rehab from his ruptured ACL on New Year’s Eve 2020 resulted in his starting and playing the majority of the first half at Ford Field.
Bakhtiari stated after the game, “It’s been a long, long trip.” “I thought I’d be back sooner.” It wasn’t easy. Mentally, it took a toll on me (more than anything else).
“Just seeing the other side makes me so happy.” I was just ecstatic to be out there today. It simply meant a lot.”
It meant a lot to quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who wanted to get some game time with Bakhtiari before the playoffs and persuaded him to prepare to play this week despite his initial plans.
“I’m incredibly proud of him.” “He seemed terrific,” said Rodgers, who started the game and tossed two touchdown passes to Allen Lazard before being replaced by Jordan Love.
“He’s a wonderful individual who contributes to the success of our team.” He’s a fantastic player. Today is a great day to honor him and his happiness. There’s nothing like rushing out to watch ‘The Big Giraffe.'”
2. Center For the first time since Week 6, Josh Myers was also returning
The rookie second-round draught pick from Ohio State had been rehabbing his knee injury for nearly three months and was given the start as a possible playoff warm-up.
Lucas Patrick took the place of rookie Royce Newman at right guard with Myers at the center. In the second half, Patrick returned to the center while Newman moved to right guard.
Head coach Matt LaFleur said everything would be assessed in terms of the starting offensive line for the playoffs. Bakhtiari and Myers’ primary challenge, he said, was their conditioning in live game action, which can’t be replicated.
During the playoff bye week, the squad will practise three times, from Wednesday to Friday, and those workouts will be a good test coming off the game.
“I think you have to see how you respond from this,” LaFleur said of anyone returning. “How does tomorrow appear to you?” How does it make you feel? We’ll keep working and monitoring.”
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