The Detroit Lions are not only heading to the playoffs but they have improved themselves to 12-1 by taking certain risks that are not common in many places. They defeated the Green Bay Packers 34-31 and kept up their run for the top seed in the NFC. Many times Detroit coach Dan Campbell had watched his team get two conversions on fourth down, and then one in the fourth quarter backfired to let Green Bay take the lead. With 43 seconds left in the fourth quarter, Campbell took his biggest risk by going for it again on fourth down, turning down a chance to win the game.
The Lions secured a playoff spot with a gutsy victory
In the fourth quarter, Jared Goff completed 13 passes and the Lions succeeded in four of their five fourth downs, including a dicey one. The Lions could have taken a three-point lead, but Dan Campbell’s style prevented it.
The Lions took the win over the Green Bay Packers on a fourth-and-1 play when quarterback Goff stepped on a lineman to pass to David Montgomery for a 7-yard gain. This set up Jake Bates’ game-winning 35-yard field goal, sending the Lions to 12-1, winners of 11 straight, and officially in the playoffs. It was a thrilling Thursday night match between the Packers and the Lions.
The Lions’ defense was effective
The already decimated defense of the Lions by Joshua Paschal, Levi Onwuzurike, and D.J. Reader, not forgetting that there are 18 in injured reserve, was also battered by the first half ruling on Ali McNeill. It pushed the Lions’ defense to the limits. Pat O’Connor played a career-high 37 snaps and looked menacing.
The Lions allowed four touchdowns, two of them were because of short fields after interception and turnover. Despite costly first-half penalties and fortunate calls, the Lions were able to keep Green Bay to a late field goal. They forced a late three-and-out and held Green Bay to a field goal, allowing the offense to take care of business.
Jordan Love dominated the second half
Jordan Love had a poor first half, but dominated the second one, completing 9 of 13 passes for 175 yards and leading four scoring drives to erase an early 10-point deficit. The Packers burned their last timeout in the third quarter, leading to a punt, causing late damage. Christian Watson was really good for the Packers on the field, but took an illegal contact penalty for blocking on a Josh Jacobs touchdown. He also fumbled in the first half which meant penalties and a 17-7 loss. It’s little things like these that led to the Lions’ victory, because they can really beat teams.
Goff and Johnson scored a rally after an in-field touchdown and a fourth-down stop
The Lions led 17-7 in the first half but were soon down again as the Packers scored two touchdowns in the first three minutes of the second half. Jared Goff was largely competent, but a pass had to be forced to Tim Patrick, picked off at Detroit 16. Ben Johnson’s offensive game plan for the Lions was the difference in winning this contest against the Patriots. Goff’s savvy drive meshed into the run game, and the Lions marched back into the end zone.
Though their fourth-down try was unsuccessful, both Johnson and Goff were on the field for the winning drives, as Patrick found the end zone twice. Dan Skipper, who started the game in Taylor Decker’s place, was brilliant after a first-quarter penalty, showing the Lions’ usual bravado and toughness, and their two main offensive minds were locked in late.
Also Read: Detroit Lions beat Packers 34-31 in high-stakes divisional clash, clinching playoff spot
The Green Bay Packers now have to say goodbye to their hopes of clinching the NFC North title. Now, they trail three games behind the Lions with just four games left in the regular season. The Lions face the Buffalo Bills next on 16th December.
