Pat O’Connor continues to prove his value for the Detroit Lions, stepping up with crucial contributions as the team pushes for the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs. The 31-year-old defensive lineman was a steady force in a hard-fought 34-31 win over the Green Bay Packers on Thursday Night Football.
With the Lions’ defensive front hit hard by injuries—including Aidan Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport, and Kyle Peko sidelined—Pat O’Connor has become more crucial than ever, embodying the team’s ‘next man up’ mentality. He was one of the key defenders helping to contain the Packers’ offense in the first half, keeping the pressure on quarterback Jordan Love and providing valuable support along the line.
While O’Connor didn’t register any sacks in the game, his high motor and physicality were evident from the start. He was a disruptive presence, helping set the tone and maintaining his assignment, especially as Green Bay tried to find a rhythm. O’Connor finished the game with 1 assisted tackle, bringing his season total to 10 tackles (2 solo, 8 assisted) and 1 sack.
O’Connor’s stats may not always jump off the page, but his blue-collar play style did not go unnoticed. His unrelenting effort in critical moments was crucial to Detroit’s defensive success, particularly as the Lions weathered the Packers’ offensive surges. Fans took notice of his physicality and leadership, with many praising his ability to fill the void left by other injured defenders.
Tim Patrick, Pat O’Conner, Ezekiel Turner
Those are the names that need not be forgotten tonight. Unreal performance tonight. I’m not sleeping tonight. That rocked. #OnePride #AllGrit
— Ryan Frederick (@RyanFred1415) December 6, 2024
My game balls so far:
-Pat O’Conner
-Tim Patrick
-Zadarius Smith— FυɛӀɛժ ву мσтσωη (@FueledByMotown) December 6, 2024
The Lions’ victory not only marked their 11th-straight win but also secured their second consecutive playoff berth, a historic accomplishment for a franchise that has long sought to return to postseason contention. O’Connor’s journey with the Lions has been anything but linear. He was originally drafted by Detroit in 2017, but did not end up on the Lions’ final roster. After his release, O’Connor spent several years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he earned a Super Bowl ring in 2020. Now back with the Lions, O’Connor has stepped into a larger role this season, providing valuable experience and depth to the defense. His resilience and leadership have been key in filling the gaps created by injuries, making him an invaluable part of the team’s push for the playoffs.
At Eastern Michigan, O’Connor earned First Team All-MAC honors, racking up 20 sacks and 33.5 tackles for loss. That same tenacity has translated into his role with the Lions, where he continues to deliver quietly but effectively, especially in high-stakes moments like Thursday’s victory.