Photos: Packers storm past Lions in NFC North battle under the Lambeau Field lights
From the Photos: Packers' 2021 season in pictures series
Wisconsin State Journal photographer Kayla Wolf captured all the action from Lambeau Field as the Green Bay Packers quickly erased a 17-14 halftime deficit en route to a 35-17 victory over the Detroit Lions Monday night in a Week 2 NFC North showdown in Green Bay.
Green Bay Packers flag carriers run onto the field as the Packers prepare to take on the Lions at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis., Monday, Sept. 20, 2021.
A Packers fan cheers following a touchdown in the first half against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field in Green Bay on Monday, Sept. 20, 2021. The Packers won 35-17.
Detroit Lions defensive tackle Nick Williams (97) celebrates sacking Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) during the first half at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis., Monday, Sept. 20, 2021.
Detroit Lions wide receiver Quintez Cephus (87) scores a touchdown under coverage by Green Bay Packers cornerback Eric Stokes (21) during the first half at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis., Monday, Sept. 20, 2021.
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) looks for an open pass against the Detroit Lions during the first half at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis., Monday, Sept. 20, 2021.
Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones (33) scores under coverage by Detroit Lions defensive back Tracy Walker III (21) during the first half at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis., Monday, Sept. 20, 2021.
Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones (33) runs under coverage by Detroit Lions middle linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) during the first half at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis., Monday, Sept. 20, 2021.
Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones (33) scores against the Detroit Lions during the second half at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis., Monday, Sept. 20, 2021.
Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones (33) celebrates a touchdown with Green Bay Packers wide receiver Allen Lazard (13) against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis., Monday, Sept. 20, 2021.
Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones (33) scores a touchdown as he trailed by Detroit Lions outside linebacker Jamie Collins (8) in the second half at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis., Monday, Sept. 20, 2021.
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff throws a pass against the Green Bay Packers during the second half at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis., Monday, Sept. 20, 2021.
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws the ball against the Detroit Lions during the second half at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis., Monday, Sept. 20, 2021.
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff recovers the ball after Green Bay Packers linebacker Rashan Gary (52) tipped the ball out of his hand during the second half at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis., Monday, Sept. 20, 2021.
Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones (33) celebrates a touchdown with the tradition Lambeau Leap against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis., Monday, Sept. 20, 2021.
Detroit Lions running back D'Andre Swift jumps over Green Bay Packers cornerback Kevin King during the second half at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis., Monday, Sept. 20, 2021.
Green Bay Packers linebacker Krys Barnes (51) leads the defensive line in celebrating recovering a fumble against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis., Monday, Sept. 20, 2021.
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers pumps his fist as he and teammate wide receiver Davante Adams walk off the field following a 35-17 win over the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis., Monday, Sept. 20, 2021.
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff looks for an open receiver during the second half at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis., Monday, Sept. 20, 2021.
Green Bay Packers strong safety Adrian Amos tackles Detroit Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson during the second half at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis., Monday, Sept. 20, 2021.
Green Bay Packers running back A.J. Dillon catches a pass under coverage by Detroit Lions middle linebacker Alex Anzalone during the second half at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis., Monday, Sept. 20, 2021.
Green Bay Packers linebacker Rashan Gary (52) celebrates a defensive play against the Detroit Lions during the second half at Lambeau Field in Green Bay on Monday, Sept. 20, 2021. The Packers won 35-17.
Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones runs the ball under coverage by Detroit Lions middle linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) during the second half at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis., Monday, Sept. 20, 2021.
Green Bay Packers tight end Robert Tonyan is tackled by Detroit Lions defensive back Bobby Price during the second half at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis., Monday, Sept. 20, 2021.
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams dives for extra yardage under coverage by Detroit Lions middle linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) during the second half at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis., Monday, Sept. 20, 2021.
Detroit Lions running back D'Andre Swift runs the ball against the Green Bay Packers during the second half at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis., Monday, Sept. 20, 2021.
Packers fans, from left, Matthew Schmitt and Levi Dubberke, of Iowa City, carry Aaron Rodgers faces to hype up the crowd as they arrive at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis., Monday, Sept. 20, 2021.
Jennifer Karnitz, of Green Bay, flips burgers at her tailgate in front of Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis., Monday, Sept. 20, 2021.
Maxwell Wright, left, and his brother Miles, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, pose for a photo with their grandma, Patty Mechtenberg, center, in front of Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis., Monday, Sept. 20, 2021.
The Green Bay Packers take to the field as they prepare to take on the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis., Monday, Sept. 20, 2021.
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) leads the offense against the Detroit Lions during the second half at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis., Monday, Sept. 20, 2021. KAYLA WOLF, STATE JOURNAL
Green Bay Packers Defensive coordinate Joe Barry, left, and Green Bay Packers strong safety Adrian Amos (31) walk off the field following the Packers 35-17 win over the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis., Monday, Sept. 20, 2021. KAYLA WOLF, STATE JOURNAL
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) attempts to recover a fumble, which is ultimately recovered by the Green Bay Packers during the second half at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis., Monday, Sept. 20, 2021. KAYLA WOLF, STATE JOURNAL
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams (17) runs the ball against the Detroit Lions during the second half at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis., Monday, Sept. 20, 2021. KAYLA WOLF, STATE JOURNAL
Detroit Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson (88) catches a pass during the second half against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis., Monday, Sept. 20, 2021. KAYLA WOLF, STATE JOURNAL
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur runs onto the field as the Packers prepare to take on the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis., Monday, Sept. 20, 2021. KAYLA WOLF, STATE JOURNAL
Green Bay Packers outside linebacker De'Vondre Campbell (59) is penalized for grabbing the face mask of Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during the first half at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis., Monday, Sept. 20, 2021. KAYLA WOLF, STATE JOURNAL
Green Bay Packers Defensive coordinate Joe Barry, left, an Head Coach Matt LaFleur talk on the sidelines as the Packers take on the Detroit Lions during the first half at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis., Monday, Sept. 20, 2021. KAYLA WOLF, STATE JOURNAL
Detroit Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson (88) is brought down by Green Bay Packers defensive back Chandon Sullivan (39) and Green Bay Packers cornerback Kevin King (20) during the first half at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis., Monday, Sept. 20, 2021. KAYLA WOLF, STATE JOURNAL
In this Series
Photos: Packers' 2021 season in pictures
Check out photo galleries from every game of 2021 from the preseason through the end of the regular season and the playoffs.
“We always emphasize the division,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur said last week. “I think that’s always the starting point is your division. I mean those games almost count as two because while you’re getting one leg up, somebody’s going backwards.”
Lee Sports Wisconsin columnist Jim Polzin answers questions from readers in his weekly mailbag.
The man who had failed runs leading defenses in Detroit and Washington started with a dud in Green Bay and his positivity isn't very reassuring.
“I’m confident and happy and excited and love these guys," Aaron Rodgers said. "As a competitor, I’m frustrated about my performance, our performance. But this game is about how you respond to negativity usually more than how you're hailed for your successes."
The Saints' domination of the Packers on Sunday makes it reasonable to wonder if New Orleans has given future opponents a playbook for how to stymie Green Bay's previously high-powered offense.
“I still have the utmost confidence in our defense. We’re going to regroup and get better this week,” veteran safety Adrian Amos said.
Name one thing from the colossal stinker that was the 2021 season opener that gave any indication the Packers are a contender, as advertised. Don't worry, we'll wait.
