Lions are promising to not make the same mistake against the Packers that the Vikings made
When the Detroit Lions visit Lambeau field in Week 18 to play the Green Bay Packers, they won't be making the same mistake the Minnesota Vikings made in Week 17. The Vikings lost 41-17 to Green Bay last week, but they don't think the Packers won by 24 solely because they're that much better than […]
When the Detroit Lions visit Lambeau field in Week 18 to play the Green Bay Packers, they won't be making the same mistake the Minnesota Vikings made in Week 17.
The Vikings lost 41-17 to Green Bay last week, but they don't think the Packers won by 24 solely because they're that much better than Minnesota.
There have been some complaints about the "slippery" field at Lambeau last week that had players sliding around. Part of the reason for that is because some of Minnesota's players didn't wear the recommended 7-stud cleats.
Vikings offensive coordinator Wes Phillips essentially put the blame on the players for not preparing properly (wearing the right cleats).
"We definitely have to take the conditions into account and we have to be professional about whatever the environment we're playing in," said Phillips this week. "The margin for error in this league is small. I assume you're talking about guys slipping down on the ground? It was noticeable that it happened with us and it didn't happen with them. It was something that was addressed, but guys got to understand the margin for error is so small. It can't be like, 'Oh, I'll get it next time.' You don't know how many times you're going to have that play to change a game or continue a drive. We have to be professional about it."
Detroit running back Jamaal Williams made it clear this week (while also seemingly throwing some shade at Minnesota's players) that he has no problem wearing the longer cleats.
"Just put on the studded things and stop trying to look cute, that's it…that's it," said Williams. "Play with the field. I understand people [are] scared to put them on. I don't know why. Honestly, I feel like it helps a lot. That's what helps me a lot when it's raining and it's muddy. Just put on the studders and go out there and play ball."
"Don't go out there and try to put on your fancy little cute shoes because they're cute, you know what I mean…and then you're out there slipping. And then after that, you gotta use that as an excuse. We don't want excuses, we want to go out there and perform and go out there with a dub."
Williams played for the Packers from 2017 to 2020, so he certainly has some insight when it comes to playing at Lambeau. And it sounds like he's sharing that insight with his Detroit teammates.
The game between the Packers and the Lions is one of the biggest games of the week. If Green Bay wins, they make the playoffs. If they lose, it means either Detroit or the Seattle Seahawks (if they beat the Los Angeles Rams) will make the playoffs.
I'd say this is a game where everyone needs the right cleats on.
Featured image via Tork Mason-USA TODAY Sports
