The Detroit Lions improved to 7-1 after a 24-14 win over the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. It was another big road win for the Lions. Detroit is now 2-0 in divisional play and boasts the NFC’s best record. Here are the significant takeaways from Detroit’s big win.
Discipline and Details
Despite Elgton Jenkins’ protestations, the Lions were the better team at Lambeau Field on Sunday afternoon. On a wind-swept, rain-lashed fall afternoon, many pundits and fans questioned whether the dome team Lions could adapt to the conditions. They answered that question emphatically.
There were no interceptions, dropped catches, fumbles, or botched snaps, and quarterback Jared Goff was again excellently efficient, completing 18 of 22 passes with one touchdown.
Goff’s completion percentage was 81.8%. The veteran signal-caller never put the ball in harm’s way. Further underlining that was Goff’s CPOE of +16.7%. That was the highest among quarterbacks for Week 9 before Monday Night Football.
Contrast that with the Packers. Jordan Love threw an ugly pick-six and nearly threw another red zone interception later in the game. The Packers botched several snaps, and there were dropped catches and misplaced balls. Love’s game CPOE was -2.1%.
The Packers, playing in their elements at their stadium, looked like the dome team. They played an ill-disciplined, error-strewn game.
The Lions played with discipline, keyed in on details like cleats and gloves and played an error-free game.
Credit the coaches and the players. The conditions were horrible, but the same for both teams, and Detroit adapted better. They were the better team.
Jared Goff said it best after the game to FOX Sports’ Erin Andrews:
“We’re supposed to be the dome team; we’re supposed to be the team that can’t play outside, and we came out here and won.”
Aggression and Explosives
On the Lions’ opening possession, wide receiver Amon Ra St. Brown was right in the face of a Packers defender. David Montgomery carried the ball with powerful physical intent. It was clear that Detroit was here for a fight.
No play exhibited that better than Brian Branch nailing Bo Melton. Branch was rightly flagged for this, although the ejection was harsh. But Branch’s infamous reaction confirmed these are not your father’s Detroit Lions.
The Alabama product turned to the Lambeau faithful and gave them the double bird. While many will understandably brand Branch’s actions as crass, the second-year star sent a message to everyone when he stuck his fingers up.
DAWG: #Lions DB Brian Branch gave the refs the DOUBLE BIRDS after he was ejected
💀💀💀 pic.twitter.com/Ahq9KpIwut
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) November 4, 2024
It was a sign of defiance. The Detroit Lions no longer visit Lambeau Field, ready to surrender.
Montgomery encapsulated that on the game-ending drive. The former Chicago Bear rumbled through contact to churn yards out and get Detroit over the line.
And Jahmyr Gibbs provided more bursts and explosions. Gibbs exploded on a fourth down for a big touchdown after halftime. The Lions brought aggression and explosiveness to this game. The Lions won at the collision points on offense and made enough aggressive hits on defense.
Creaking Run Defense and Pass Rush Woes
As comfortable as this victory was for Dan Campbell’s team, there were still issues. Josh Jacobs attacked Detroit’s run defense. The veteran runner tallied 95 yards on 13 carries, averaging 7.8 yards per carry. Overall, the Packers rushed for 138 yards.
The game script took Jacobs out of the game somewhat, but without Aidan Hutchinson, Josh Paschal, and Marcus Davenport, the Lions have struggled with B gap runs.
Detroit played better on stretch and outside zone runs as linebacker Jack Campbell continued to flow to the ball quickly. Nonetheless, if the Lions are to continue this winning run, the run defense must improve.
As must the pass rush. The Lions’ pass rush was non-existent throughout the game. PFF graded Al-Quadin Muhammad, Pat O’Connor, James Houston, Chris Smith and Isaiah Thomas as five of the worst seven players on Detroit’s defense. Detroit must make a trade soon.