On Sunday, the Detroit Lions defeated the Packers 24–14, demonstrating that they can compete anywhere and in any conditions. The defense made plays, while Jared Goff and the offense were outstanding once more. Despite Brian Branch’s early ejection, the defense held Green Bay to only 14 points and even returned an interception for a touchdown. Jordan Love wasn’t able to find open receivers often, making it hard for the Green Bay offense to make plays. In this game, the Lions had many winners but also a few losers.
Winners
Jared Goff
Jared Goff has been great recently, and Sunday was no exception. Goff led the Lions to their third consecutive victory at Lambeau Field with a stat line of 18–22 for 145 yards and a touchdown. Goff has often been accused of not being a very good quarterback outside, but he played very well in the pouring rain and proved everyone wrong. Goff’s completion percentage of 82.8 and passer rating of 140.1 in the past six games are the highest in NFL history. Goff could have a solid case for MVP at the end of the season if he can maintain this level of play.
Offensive Line
The offensive line is another significant winner. After having trouble pass-blocking in recent weeks, they only gave up one sack and five total pressures. Additionally, they were excellent at run blocking, opening up vast gaps for David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs to go through. Penei Sewell was outstanding, as he blocked many players into the ground and created a large hole for Gibbs touchdown on fourth down. The Detroit Lions’ success depends heavily on their offensive line, and when they perform well, they have a great chance of winning.
Jack Campbell
Jack Campbell has been quietly having a great stretch of games, with Sunday being his best. Campbell has been everywhere on the field, both in the run game and pass game, and had a career-high 11 tackles on Sunday. Since week 2, he has received a PFF grade of 70 or higher in every game and has now had two consecutive games with double-digit tackles. He’s gradually beginning to resemble the player the Lions hoped he could be when they drafted him in the 2023 draft, and by the end of the season, he may be the team’s top linebacker.
Losers
Brian Branch
Branch has been one of the best safeties in the NFL this year, but Sunday’s game ended early for him. He was ejected for a late hit early in the second quarter, along with being flagged two times for the play. He will likely receive a huge fine, which wouldn’t be his first time for a hit this year. The Detroit Lions’ defense is at their best when he’s on the field, and hopefully, this will be the last time he’s ejected this year.
Run Defense
The Detroit Lions run defense has struggled since Aidan Hutchinson has been out, and this week was no different. The Lions allowed Josh Jacobs to rush for 95 yards on just 13 carries. GM Brad Holmes is expected to be in the market for an edge rusher at the trade deadline, so that will likely help the run defense. If the Lions want to continue their winning, fixing their run defense will be a huge key.
Final Thoughts
This Detroit Lions team is looking solid through nine weeks. The NFC North, in general, is stout. Head Coach Dan Campbell has done a fantastic job building this team and giving the fans something to be excited about. Jared Goff is playing lights out and is in contention to be the league’s MVP. Gibbs and Montgomery are the best running back duo in the NFL, and Ben Johnson is putting together a solid case to be a head coach somewhere.
