Photo: David Reginek ~ IMAGN IMAGES
DETROIT, December 5, 2024 ~ The Detroit Lions (12-1) defeated the Green Bay Packers (9-4) Thursday night with a last second 35-yard field goal from kicker Jake Bates to secure a 34-31 victory at Ford Field. With the win, the Lions not only clinch a playoff spot for the second year in a row, but remain undefeated in the NFC North and have swept the season series against the Packers. The 11th win in a row sets a new franchise record for consecutive victories.
Despite having 18 players not active due to injury, including defensive tackle Alim McNeill who left the game in the first half due to a head injury, the defense stepped up in key moments. Cornerback Carlton Davis III forced a fumble early on in the game against Green Bay wide receiver Christian Watson that resulted in Bates’ first field goal of the night, and the winning deficit.
Running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, also known as Sonic and Knuckles, continued their historic season as a duo. They rushed for a touchdown and caught one respectively. On top of his receiving touchdown, Gibbs hit the 1,000 rushing yard mark, the ninth Lions player to ever do so.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
The @Lions are 11-0 in games in which @MontgomerDavid & @Jahmyr_Gibbs1 both produce a TD.#OnePride pic.twitter.com/rm0UydrwOl
— Detroit Lions PR (@LionsPR) December 6, 2024
(CONTINUED) Although the willingness to go for it on fourth down didn’t pull through at a perfect rate, Detroit got it done when they needed it most. With 40 seconds left, Montgomery found a hole on the right side of the offensive line to set up the winning kick.
Quarterback Jared Goff converted 32 of his 41 pass attempts for 283 yards. Despite an interception early on, he bounced back, finishing with three passing touchdowns. Wide receiver Tim Patrick had his biggest game since signing with Detroit before the season started, catching two touchdowns for the first time since 2021.
The Lions will finally get more than a week to recover from a recent grueling schedule. They are set for a primetime showdown against the second best team in the AFC, the Buffalo Bills on Dec. 15.
TOP 760 WJR STORIES:
