The Longstanding Rivalry Between the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers

The Rivalry Between the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers

The Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers have one of the longest running rivalries in the NFL. As two of the oldest franchises in the league, these NFC North foes have been battling it out on the gridiron since 1930. With over 175 total games played between them, this rivalry has seen its fair share of iconic moments, bitter defeats, and trash talk over the decades.

The Early Years

The Lions and Packers first met in 1930, when the Lions were known as the Portsmouth Spartans and played in Ohio. The game ended in a 7-7 tie. Little did they know then that they were kicking off a rivalry that would span nearly a century.

When the Spartans moved to Detroit in 1934 and became the Lions, the rivalry began in earnest. During the early years, the Packers held the upper hand, winning 15 of the first 20 contests. Lambeau Field proved to be a house of horrors for the Lions, as they found victories hard to come by on the Packers’ home turf.

The 1950s and 1960s

The 1950s represented a shift in power, as the Lions went 31-10-2 during the decade and won three NFL championships. Led by Hall of Famers like Bobby Layne, Joe Schmidt, and Doak Walker, the Lions emerged as one of the NFL’s preeminent teams.

Games against the Packers took on greater meaning during this era, exemplified by the 1962 Thanksgiving Day game in which the 10-0 Packers faced the 8-2 Lions in Detroit. In a back and forth thriller, the Lions prevailed 26-14, ending Green Bay’s bid for an undefeated season.

The Lean Years for Detroit

After the golden era of the 1950s, the Lions fell on hard times for much of the 1960s through the 1990s. They had only one playoff appearance between 1970 and 1990. Meanwhile, the Packers ascended back to glory, winning five NFL titles between 1961 and 1967 with Vince Lombardi at the helm.

During these years, the Packers racked up win after win against Detroit. The Lions managed just 32 wins compared to 48 defeats against Green Bay from 1968 to 2002. Getting dominated by the Packers became a familiar feeling for long-suffering Lions fans.

Barry Sanders vs Brett Favre

In the 1990s, the rivalry was defined by two superstar players - Barry Sanders for the Lions and Brett Favre for the Packers. Their amazing talents were on full display in games against one another.

Sanders scorched the Packers with astonishing moves and lightning quickness, averaging over 100 rushing yards per game. Favre tortured Detroit with his cannon of an arm, pinpoint accuracy, and gunslinger mentality. He played some of his finest games at the Lions' expense.

The 2000s and 2010s

The Lions wandered the NFL wilderness for most of the 21st century, achieving just three playoff berths between 2000 and 2017. Meanwhile, the Packers remained a steady contender, going to the playoffs nine times with two Super Bowl appearances during that span.

Lions fans suffered through 24 straight losses at Lambeau Field between 1992 and 2014. Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers in particular thrived against Detroit, posting an 11-3 record at one point. Several of his vintage performances came versus the Lions.

Where The Rivalry Stands Today

Entering 2022, the Packers hold a commanding 105-73-7 lead in the all-time series. They have given the Lions nothing but heartache for the better part of the last 60+ years. While Detroit has shown signs of life recently, beating Green Bay just three times since 2015.

With young stars like Amon-Ra St. Brown emerging in Detroit, and Rodgers still going strong in Green Bay, this rivalry still has plenty of excitement ahead. And who knows, perhaps the Lions will start to turn the tide after so many painful defeats. For now, the Packers remain the bully on the block.

Key Takeaways

• The Lions vs Packers rivalry dates back over 90 years to 1930.
• Green Bay dominated during the Vince Lombardi era, while Detroit was ascendant in the 1950s.
• Barry Sanders and Brett Favre defined the rivalry in the 1990s with their transcendent play.
• Aaron Rodgers has tormented the Lions for the past decade-plus.
• The Packers hold a sizable historical edge, going 105-72-7 in the all-time series.

This intense NFC North rivalry has seen eras of domination for both teams. While the Packers have had the clear upper hand since the 1960s, the Lions have risen to the challenge at times. With young talent developing in Detroit, perhaps the Lions can start closing the gap and make this rivalry more competitive once again.

FAQs

When did the Lions and Packers first play each other?

The Lions and Packers first met in 1930 when the Lions were known as the Portsmouth Spartans. The game ended in a 7-7 tie.

What is the overall record between the Lions and Packers?

As of 2022, the Packers lead the all-time series 105-72-7. Green Bay has dominated since the 1960s.

Who are some of the biggest stars in the rivalry?

Bobby Layne, Joe Schmidt and Barry Sanders were Lions legends who excelled against the Packers. Green Bay counters with Bart Starr, Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers.

What was the longest losing streak in Lambeau Field?

Between 1992 and 2014, the Lions lost 24 straight road games against the Packers at Lambeau Field.

When was the last time the Lions beat the Packers?

The Lions last defeated the Packers in Week 17 of the 2021 season, winning 37-30 in Detroit.