The Detroit Lions took care of business at home, securing a playoff spot with a thrilling 34-31 victory over the Green Bay Packers. The win not only extended their impressive streak to 11 consecutive victories but also completed a season sweep of their division rivals.
This NFC North showdown lived up to the hype, delivering a back-and-forth battle where it felt like the last team with the ball would decide the outcome. The Lions’ offense showcased why it’s among the league’s best, with nearly every playmaker making an impact in the victory. It was a total team effort, exactly what was needed to outlast the Packers.
On the defensive side, the Lions leaned on a mix of familiar faces and newer contributors. Despite a few hiccups, the unit held its own and delivered clutch stops in critical moments, proving their resilience under pressure.
With this hard-fought win over the Packers, let’s take a closer look at the Lions’ Studs and Duds from this playoff-clinching performance.
Stud: Tim Patrick
David Reginek-Imagn Images
Over the past several weeks, the growing chemistry between Jared Goff and Patrick has been impossible to miss. Patrick has steadily become a reliable safety valve for Goff, and it felt like only a matter of time before he broke through and found the end zone. After several close calls, that moment finally arrived today—and in spectacular fashion.
Patrick scored not once but twice on beautifully designed plays executed to perfection. For a player who has battled through so much adversity, seeing him rewarded with his first touchdown since 2021 was a heartwarming moment. It’s clear that both his teammates and fans were thrilled to celebrate his long-overdue success.
Dud: Interior Defensive Line
(Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
The injury bug continues to plague the Lions, with Alim McNeill exiting the game due to a concussion, further depleting an already thin interior defensive line in the absence of D.J. Reader. Losing their top two interior defenders proved costly, as Josh Jacobs capitalized on the weakened front, scoring three touchdowns despite being held to just 66 rushing yards.
Jacobs’ ability to exploit the middle of the defense highlighted how much the Lions’ run defense missed its usual muscle in the trenches. Without McNeill and Reader, the team struggled to maintain its usual dominance in the interior, underscoring the importance of getting healthy as they move forward.
Stud: 4th down conversions
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) runs for a touchdown against Green Bay Packers during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024.
Dan Campbell’s philosophy has always been about putting the ball in his best players’ hands and trusting them in critical moments. Tonight was no exception, as it quickly became clear that the Lions were ready to take risks when it mattered most. Whenever they faced a manageable fourth down, they went for it—and it proved to be the decisive factor in their victory.
The Lions converted 3 of 4 fourth-down attempts, with two leading to touchdowns and another helping to ice the clock for Jake Bates to seal the win. While some of Campbell’s calls were bold, even unconventional, they exemplify his unwavering commitment to his aggressive style. Win or lose, Campbell is steadfast in his approach, and tonight, it paid off in a big way, showcasing his trust in his team and their ability to deliver under pressure.
Dud: Run Blocking
Dec 5, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow (77) reacts to the snap against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images
The Lions’ running game struggled to find its rhythm today, largely due to the Packers’ defensive front consistently disrupting the usually dominant Lions offensive line. Averaging just 3.3 yards per carry, the ground attack found the end zone but faced tough sledding for most of the game.
A failed fourth-down toss play that was stopped behind the line and another critical attempt late in the game—where the Lions were again stopped short—highlighted the uncharacteristic challenges up front. While the offensive line didn’t perform at its usual elite level, the Lions’ ability to threaten defenses in other areas ultimately compensated for the lack of production on the ground.
Stud: Aaron Glenn
Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn hugs defensive end Za’Darius Smith (99) after a play against Chicago Bears during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit on Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024.
Aaron Glenn deserves immense credit for the way he inspires the Lions’ defense to perform week in and week out, overcoming a relentless barrage of injuries and still finding ways to secure victories. This week, the Lions rolled out four new players, lost Alim McNeill early, and saw Brian Branch go down late—yet Glenn’s unit still managed to apply consistent pressure and hold an otherwise formidable Packers aerial attack to just 206 yards.
Glenn’s leadership is a testament to the Lions’ team philosophy: maximizing players’ strengths and putting them in positions to succeed. His ability to adapt and innovate under challenging circumstances has been crucial to the Lions’ success and should make him a top candidate for head coaching opportunities this offseason.