Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers go into week 18 with a sole objective, win and get to the playoffs. It is that simple for the franchise. But standing in their way are the Detroit Lions, who have a point to prove against the Packers. And team safety Deshon Elliott lays bare what is riding on the game for the Lions in this mouthwatering winner-take-all clash at the Lambeau Field.
Elliott spilled out the Lions motivation and that erupted the NFL world. The Lions’ statement of intent has divided the fans online.
A warning for Aaron Rodgers
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Deshon Elliott has sounded a warning for Aaron Rodgers and the Packers as they prepare to host the Lions at Lambeau in week 18. He sent a strong seven-word message to A-Rod and Co. before the clash, which determines who gets the last remaining wildcard playoff berth from the NFC.
“They don’t respect us. A-Rod doesn’t respect us, that team doesn’t respect us. We’re used to being an underdog. No matter what the record says, we’re gonna go out there, I think we’re gonna fight our ass off, play smash mouth football. Just ’cause the respect factor,” Elliott outlined.
The safety sounded like someone with a point to prove. He said his team would go out to the game and show the hosts what they are made off.
“Just the way he carries himself. I don’t like none of that shit. So, we’d go out there and show them what we can do. And show who’s the big dog,” Elliott added.
After their week nine defeat against the Lions, the QB had said that the Packers can’t lose a game like that to “that team”, referring to the Lions.
After the #Lions beat the #Packers on Week 9, with Aaron Rodgers throwing 3 INTs, this is what he said:
"Can’t lose a game like that against that team.”
Could this be what Elliott is referring to?pic.twitter.com/nmCmXbtraJ
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) January 6, 2023
The Lions have taken off after setbacks initially in the season. They have the same record as the hosts and will clinch the playoff berth if they win. But Rodgers and company will be hungry too. Such a mouth-watering clash has divided the fans in the NFL world.
The fans are divided
The remarks, coupled with the high voltage clash has divided the NFL fan base on the game. Here are some reactions from the NFL world.
A Packers fan shows their respect to their charged-up opponents for the last week of the regular season.
Cool. I mean, as a GB fan, I could see the Bears or the Vikings saying this shit, but I think they're just trying to get up for the game.
I know I respect the Lions. They've built a GREAT foundation and they've got a top 5 pick on top of their own. We know how physical they are.
— WisconsinFan (@AudstaTerra) January 6, 2023
Another fan pointed out a recent quote from Rodgers where he is praising the Lions.
Aaron Rodgers ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/DKiorN8R5p
— Rashan Gary ACL Donation Center (@rashangarydpoy) January 6, 2023
But this fan is showing no respect to the motor city franchise.
Bro even the fans don’t respect you. That’s how this works.
— Avry (@Avery_DG) January 6, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Another fan wants the Lions to win some playoff games first.
Well to get respect you gotta win a few playoff games I wouldn’t respect the lions either
— Shawn Fielding (@shawnfielding22) January 6, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Only time will tell who comes out on top in this clash. But Elliott sure charged up the atmosphere right before the game.
Watch This Story: Ahead of the Vikings game, Green Bay Packers superstar QB Aaron Rodgers deals with a setback