The Green Bay Packers missed a 26-yard field goal to start the game and then lost on a 22-yard field goal as time expired on Sunday at Ford Field. Matt LaFleur's team had multiple chances to take control of Sunday's NFC North showdown but missed too many opportunities, and now the Packers are 4-3 with two road losses in the division after seven weeks.
Trey Smack's short field goal attempt to end Green Bay's opening possession went wide right. Bates split the uprights to end the fourth quarter and hand the Detroit Lions a 20-17 win.
Officiating will be in the spotlight after another egregiously bad performance from the officials. But the Packers also finished 1-for-4 scoring touchdowns in the red zone, missed two field goals, had a fourth down stopped
inside the 10-yard line, dropped a touchdown pass and dropped an interception, among other missed opportunities.
On Detroit's final drive, Karl Brooks jumped offsides, handing the Lions a first down and a chance to kill the remaining clock before kicking the game-winning field goal.
The pivotal moment came in the fourth quarter. Keisean Nixon stuffed the Lions' 4th-and-1 play, turning over Dan Campbell's team inside their own 30-yard line. But Smack's field goal was blocked, the Lions took over and then drove the field for the game-winning field goal.
The Packers finished 5-for-15 on third down, rushed for only 60 yards and had eight penalties, continuing early season issues.
LaFleur's team now faces a short week: the Carolina Panthers are coming to Lambeau Field for "Thursday Night Football" to open Week 8.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers can't overcome missed opportunities and terrible officiating in loss to Lions
