In a drenching rainstorm, the Detroit Lions pulled out a decisive 24-14 victory against the Green Bay Packers. Dan Campbell has praised this team as having the mental, physical, and emotional toughness to overcome adversity. On Sunday, the Lions were the definition of grit, overcoming an injury-depleted roster, adverse weather conditions, and poor officiating to hold off a last-minute surge by the Packers.
Detroit Lions Were the Definition of Grit Holding Tough Against Green Bay
Averaging an astonishing 43 points per game, Detroit has put together some of the most thrilling scoring drives in the league. However, before Sunday’s contest, all seven games had been played indoors under optimum field conditions. It was reasonable to assume the rain-soaked field might prove problematic. But Jared Goff and the Lions’ dynamic offense proved as effective as ever in the punishing rainstorm.
Goff continued his exceptional season, completing play after play after play. At one point he matched his previous season total of 11 straight passes. Goff’s passer rating currently leads the NFL. He finished with 18 of 22 attempts for 145 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions.
Defining Grit Under Adverse Weather Conditions
After an extended 14-play drive to start the game, the Lions’ defense held Green Bay to a 30-yard Brandon McManus field goal. Undaunted by the weather, David Montgomery broke free for an eight-yard run on the Lions’ first possession. Displaying his trademark “Beast-mode 2.0” form, Mongtomery relentlessly surged forward, dragging multiple defenders in his wake. A three-yard touchdown pass from Goff to Amon-Ra St. Brown had the Lions ahead early in the second quarter. St. Brown celebrated his score with a stunning helmet headstand.
The Lions scored 24 unanswered points while Green Bay wouldn’t score again until late in the third quarter. The electrifying combination of Montgomery and Jahmyr “Supersonic” Gibbs make up the league’s most efficient and productive running back tandem. The muddy and slippery field conditions made running more challenging.
Later in the game, the footballs became saturated and slippery to grasp. Instead of the Lions losing the ball in the miserable wet conditions, Packers quarterback Jordan Love fumbled the ball several times but recovered without a turnover.
Lions Define Grit Despite Poor Officiating
In one of the most controversial and highly questionable calls this season, Lions star safety Brian Branch was ejected from the game late in the first half following a helmet-to-helmet hit on receiver Bo Melton. Initially, the call was for unnecessary roughness with a resulting 15-yard penalty. But a booth review in New York issued a second unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and Branch was immediately ejected. The sight of one of their top defensive players being escorted off the field had to be jarring for the Lions. But this team doesn’t fold in the face of adversity. Gaining 30 yards on the two penalties, the Packers were deep into the Lions’ territory. Once again, the defense held tough, forcing a 46-yard McManus field goal attempt. The kick was no good and the Lions took over. Jake Bates increased the lead with a 27-yard field goal and it was 10-3 in favor of the Lions.
With 26 seconds left before halftime, the Packers were hoping for another score. But in the most thrilling play of the day, safety Kerby Joseph came up with a key interception off Love and ran it back 27 yards for the touchdown. Jake Bates kicked the extra point, giving the Lions a 17-3 lead at the half. Joseph has been outstanding this season with his uncanny timing and ability to be perfectly positioned when the team needs it most. He currently leads the NFL with six interceptions.
Lions Show Grit In Overcoming the Green Bay Rivalry
Division rival Green Bay has been a longtime nemesis of the Lions. There is a lengthy history between the two teams with Green Bay playing spoiler by clinching a last-minute victory or seizing a wild-card playoff spot from the Lions. At times it seemed as though the Lions were cursed. Over the past five years, the Lions’ record against the Packers was 4-5. It wasn’t until last year, that the tides shifted in Detroit’s favor. Beating Green Bay 34-20 during the regular season, the Lions triumphed 20-16 in the playoffs.
Playing under the most adverse conditions possible, the Lions proved worthy of their coach’s definition of grit. Sunday’s victory boosted the Lions’ record to 7-1 to remain on top of the NFC North division.
Upcoming Trade Move For the Detroit Lions
Looking ahead to Tuesday’s upcoming trade deadline, it’s worth noting that the Lions’ defense has done an admirable job despite the loss of Aidan Hutchinson. They are now 4-0 without Hutchinson on the field. But undoubtedly, adding a proven pass rusher would help.
If the Lions elect to make a trade, three-time Pro Bowler, Cleveland’s Za’Darius Smith would be a realistic option. While Smith isn’t in the same category as Cleveland’s defensive superstar Myles Garret, he has an impressive resume. Smith frequently recorded double-digit sacks over the years and despite a lackluster season a year ago, the 32-year-old pro has rebounded nicely in 2024. He has five sacks to date, matching his 2023 total and 13 solo tackles.
Smith has one year remaining on his contract with the Browns. If the Lions were to acquire Smith, they wouldn’t have to mortgage the farm for him. The compensation would likely involve third or fourth-round draft picks and the Lions shouldn’t have to part with a valuable active player. Smith could be a nice addition to this tough, gritty team.