Studs and Duds from the Lions strong win over the Packers

With the rough weather in Green Bay, it was no surprise that the Lions leaned heavily on their run game, and their dynamic duo delivered. David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs combined for 28 carries, racking up 138 yards and a touchdown by Gibbs, showcasing the versatility and power of Detroit’s ground attack.

Credit also goes to the offensive line, which paved the way with solid run blocking, allowing Montgomery and Gibbs to grind out tough yards, chew up the clock, and ultimately put the game on ice.

This is a game that Branch will likely review closely to take some key lessons forward. On a clear missed catch by Bo Melton, Branch lowered his head and made helmet-to-helmet contact instead of opting for a standard tackle, resulting in an unnecessary roughness penalty. The officials determined the hit warranted an ejection, which visibly frustrated Branch and led to an additional unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.

While the penalties were warranted and the ejection understandable, it was tough for fans and coaches alike to watch. Here’s hoping Branch bounces back and uses this experience to refine his approach.

With Branch sidelined, Joseph stepped up to lead the secondary and delivered another standout performance. Just before halftime, he snagged an off-target pass from Jordan Love, returning it for his first career pick-six and pushing the Lions to a commanding 17-3 lead they would hold for the remainder of the game. Joseph is quietly emerging as one of the league’s top safeties, consistently either taking the ball away or shutting down plays before they can develop. His ability to secure the deep field limits opposing offenses significantly—a testament to his high-level play and instincts.

The Lions’ defensive line has been battered by injuries and illness, leaving them short-handed and vulnerable. This lack of depth was apparent against the Packers, as Jordan Love often had plenty of time to scan the field. If not for several dropped passes and inaccurate throws, the game might have had a very different outcome. Relying on limited pressure up front is risky, as eventually, a quarterback will capitalize on the extra time.

The Lions will be hoping for reinforcements next week to fortify the line and relieve some of the pressure on their secondary.

Quietly emerging as a standout for the Lions, Campbell is proving to be an increasingly effective linebacker and a key leader on defense. Each week, he’s showcasing growth in both playmaking and leadership, helping drive a unit that’s been on a strong run of limiting opponents. Campbell led the team with 13 tackles, consistently appearing wherever the ball was, either making the play himself or assisting.

Though his coverage skills were once seen as a potential weakness, he’s steadily improving in that area, reshaping his role as a reliable presence across the field. Campbell is becoming a hidden force in Aaron Glenn’s defense, and his trajectory only seems to be climbing.

It’s hard to find a quarterback/wide receiver duo more in sync than Jared Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown. Their chemistry is almost uncanny, with the pair completing an incredible 30 consecutive passes between them, including another touchdown connection today. Even Coach Campbell has expressed admiration for the bond they’ve developed, calling it a vital component of the Lions’ core. Regardless of the situation, Goff and St. Brown prove time and again that they can deliver when it matters most, making them one of the most reliable tandems in the league.