Rodgers passes contending Pack past Lions

DETROIT (AP) — The Detroit Lions used to take a lot of pride in playing on Thanksgiving.

Lately, the Lions have been getting embarrassed when the nation tunes in to watch them.

Aaron Rodgers matched a career high with three touchdown passes and Charles Woodson grabbed two of his team’s four interceptions, giving the Green Bay Packers a 34-12 win over Detroit.

The Lions have lost six straight games on the holiday, setting a franchise record, by an average of 23.2 points and eight of nine in the showcase game. The latest loss was an emotional setback for Detroit (2-9) four days after Matthew Stafford’s gutsy play capped its biggest comeback win since 1957.

“It’s a different feeling in this locker room — especially on national television to come out like that,” Detroit center Dominic Raiola said.

Before its recent slide, Detroit won four straight and nine of 12 on Thanksgiving before ex-general manager Matt Millen arrived in 2001 and made a lackluster franchise awful.

Green Bay (7-4) has won three straight since losing to Tampa Bay to improve its postseason prospects.

“We can’t talk about the playoffs yet,” Packers receiver Donald Driver said.

Stafford, playing with a sore non-throwing shoulder, threw one touchdown pass and four interceptions. He threw five TD passes in Sunday’s win over Cleveland after trailing by 21.

Kevin Smith’s longest run was 6 yards and he finished with 43 on 18 carries for the Lions.

“This is the type of game that you hit your head on a wall about,” Smith said.

The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.