For the second consecutive week, the Detroit Lions were in the national spotlight on a Thursday, this time hosting NFC North rivals, the Green Bay Packers. The Lions entered the game 11-1, riding a 10-game win streak, while the Packers, 9-3, were on a three-game run of their own. In a thrilling 34-31 victory, Tim Patrick showed up in a big way.
After years of battling injuries, including a torn ACL in 2022 and a torn Achilles in 2023, Patrick caught two critical 4th-down touchdowns in the second half to help seal the win.
Patrick’s journey to this moment has been anything but easy. After showing promise in Denver and earning a three-year, $30 million contract extension, his career took a major setback with back-to-back season-ending injuries. For a player who had just begun to find his rhythm in the NFL, being sidelined for two full seasons was a crushing blow. But despite the physical and mental challenges, Patrick kept his focus and determination, working tirelessly through grueling rehab processes.
This season, after signing with the Lions, Tim Patrick has emerged as a reliable weapon in their high-powered offense. Thursday night, he showed he can be a key target for Jared Goff, proving that his hard work to return to form was paying off.
On Thursday night, in a tightly contested game, Patrick proved his worth in the most clutch of situations. With the Lions trailing 21-17 in the third quarter, Patrick caught a 3-yard touchdown pass from Goff on 4th down to put Detroit back in the lead, 24-21.
That’s a TP TD on 4th down❗️#GBvsDET | 📺 @NFLonPrime pic.twitter.com/Yh0zhat64e
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) December 6, 2024
Just when it seemed the Packers might pull away, Patrick came through again, catching a 1-yard touchdown pass from Goff on 4th down to give the Lions a 31-28 lead.
Tim Patrick back for another one 🙌#GBvsDET | 📺 @NFLonPrime pic.twitter.com/VcWpmBTSNg
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) December 6, 2024
The Packers responded with a field goal to make it 31-31, setting the stage for a dramatic finish. With the game on the line, kicker Jake Bates delivered a walk-off field goal in the closing seconds, sealing the Lions’ 34-31 victory.
The two touchdowns marked Patrick’s first regular-season scores since 2021, making the moment all the more meaningful for a player who had endured so much to get back to this point. His ability to step up in such critical moments highlighted his resilience and his invaluable role in the Lions’ offense.
With this win, the Lions improve to 12-1 and continue to solidify their place among the NFC’s elite. Patrick’s performance on prime time was a testament to his perseverance, and his 4th-down heroics—combined with Bates’ clutch kick—could prove to be a turning point in a season that could end with even bigger rewards for Detroit.