ESPN Analyst Takes Issue With Lions’ Thanksgiving Game Timing Change

ESPN analyst Field Yates didn't like the NFL's decision to change the start time for the Detroit Lions' clash with the Green Bay Packers.

Thanksgiving is all about gathering with family and friends, enjoying some of the most heartwarming homemade meals, and watching football.

People gather to watch the traditional games, which start early at noon. That’s why ESPN personality Field Yates isn’t so happy with the league’s hour change for this season.


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Field Yates Calls Out the NFL Over Late Start to Lions-Packers

Ahead of the Detroit Lions’ divisional matchup with the Green Bay Packers, the ESPN analyst took to social media to voice his complaints.

“The Lions game not starting at 12:30 is throwing me off. A Thanksgiving staple,” Yates wrote on X.

Of course, those on the West Coast might actually be happy about the additional 30 minutes to get some more sleep.

Even so, Thanksgiving is the ultimate football holiday, and as such, everybody wants to tune in as soon as they wake up.

Dan Campbell Wants Revenge on Thanksgiving

This will be one of the most exciting and important games of the season for both the Lions and the Packers.

Matt LaFleur’s team got the best of the Lions in the season opener. Jeff Hafley’s defense dominated John Morton’s offense, and the Packers looked like a legitimate Super Bowl candidate.

Now, with Lions head coach Dan Campbell taking over offensive play-calling duties, the former tight end is looking forward to getting back at his divisional rivals:

“Nobody likes losing. We don’t like losing,” Dan Campbell said ahead of the rematch, per Pride of Detroit.

“But you open the year, and we go out to their place, and they gave it to us pretty good. And a division opponent, you don’t want to start that way. That’s one of the blessings of playing somebody in your division twice: you get another opportunity. And so, we’ve got another opportunity in front of us at our place on a short week, and we’re looking forward to it.”

The Lions will need to find a way to contain Micah Parsons. The former Dallas Cowboys star has an 85.0 PFSN impact grade this season, which ranks 14th in the league behind Lions star Aidan Hutchinson (85.5).

The Lions logged just 246 total yards of offense in the 27-13 loss in Week 1, and while they dominated the time of possession 35:25 to 24:35, they needed until the final minute of the game to finally get into the end zone with a 13-yard touchdown reception by rookie WR Isaac TeSlaa.

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