The 9-4 Green Bay Packers gave the Detroit Lions quite the battle on Thursday Night Football, but they ultimately fell just short of taking down the NFC’s top seed and lost 34-31 on a last-second field goal from Jake Bates.
Despite the admirable performance, former NFL MVP Cam Newton made a surprising statement about the Packers on Friday morning, which caught some by surprise.
In an appearance on “First Take,” Newton said he isn’t convinced the Packers are legitimate Super Bowl contenders, claiming “If I’m just being honest, playoff contenders…yes, Super Bowl contenders…no.”
.@CameronNewton11 is NOT convinced the Packers are legit Super Bowl contenders ? pic.twitter.com/DRDHQZU3yw
— First Take (@FirstTake) December 6, 2024
Newton said there were times during Thursday’s game when it looked like the team could be championship contenders, but the consistency wasn’t there, and there were too many letdowns and disappointing moments that created doubt.
Love was just 3-for-7 for 31 yards in the first half as his Packers were down 17-7 at the break, but he threw for 175 yards and a touchdown in the second half to lead his team back from the deficit.
It was the second time the Packers had lost to the Lions in the past six weeks.
The Lions are sitting pretty at 12-1 and rolling towards the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
Before Thursday, the Packers had won seven of their last eight games, so there is a lot to be excited about, but their chances of playing at Lambeau Field in the playoffs are dwindling.
The Packers head to Seattle next week to take on the Seahawks and will look to put this loss behind them.
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