However, the story had a happier ending the following Saturday. As predetermined, the Packers journeyed back to the Silverdome six days later on January 8. After four lead changes throughout the game, Favre and the Packers took over on their own 29 yard line with 2:26 left in the game, trailing 24-21.
Looking to drive into comfortable field-goal range, the Packers used four plays to reach the Lions’ 40-yard line with just over a minute to play. On 2nd down and 4, Favre wanted to use Sterling Sharpe and Mark Clayton on either side of the ball to run quick outs, thereby getting out of bounds after getting the first down.
With both routes jumped by the Lions’ secondary, Sharpe altered his route and chose to drift long. Favre, who was rolling to his left on the play, spotted Sharpe free along the right sideline, turned, and heaved the ball toward the back of the right side of the end zone. Sharpe caught the bomb in stride behind the Detroit defense, and with that, the Packers exacted revenge on their rivals, winning 28-24.
The playoff ride ended one week later when the Packers lost to the eventual Super Bowl champion Dallas Cowboys, 27-17, in the NFC Divisional Round.
The Hype for the 2024 Renewal is Real
Lions’ head coach knows the deal and what Sunday means. Dan Campbell said, “We’re going to Lambeau, it’s grass, nationally-televised game, 3:25 central, for the division — it just doesn’t get any better than this. What else do I need to say?”
Matt LaFleur, head coach for the Packers, also realizes the levity of this game and opponent. On Monday, LaFleur called the Lions “arguably the best team in the NFL.”
“They’re really, really good and we knew that,” the coach added. “We knew that going into the year, and it’s not shocking to me. It’s a team we’re obviously very familiar with, and we’re going to have to play at our best.”
Both teams and fan bases are ready; the rubber meets the road on Lombardi Avenue on Sunday. The nation will be watching, and the rest of the NFL will bear witness to see who will take the inside track to ruling the NFC North.