In a thrilling NFC wild-card round, the Detroit Lions secured a historic 24-23 victory over the Los Angeles Rams, marking their first playoff win in 32 years. The game, played at Ford Field, showcased the resilience of the Lions and the redemption of quarterback Jared Goff against his former team, led by Matthew Stafford.
The anticipation was palpable as 66,367 fans filled Ford Field for the Lions’ first home playoff game in three decades. Goff, who faced boos and chants from the crowd, delivered an outstanding performance, completing 22 of 27 passes for 277 yards and a crucial touchdown. The win ended the Lions’ nine-game postseason losing streak, the longest in NFL history.
The Lions’ offense shone in the first half, scoring touchdowns on their first three possessions. Goff connected with rookie tight end Sam LaPorta for a two-yard touchdown, giving Detroit a 21-10 lead midway through the second quarter. Amon-Ra St. Brown, the standout receiver, contributed with seven receptions for 110 yards.
Stafford, playing most of the game with a bandaged and bloody hand, displayed resilience, finishing 25 of 36 for 367 yards and two touchdowns. The Rams had a chance to take the lead late in the fourth quarter, but Detroit’s defense held firm. A crucial holding penalty and an incomplete pass on fourth down sealed the Rams’ fate.
The victory sets the stage for the Lions to host either the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or the Philadelphia Eagles in the divisional round next Sunday, making franchise history with two home playoff games.
Key Takeaways:
- Lions Grind Out Historic Win: Detroit’s journey to this historic win was 32 years in the making. The Lions started strong, putting up 21 points in the first half, but had to rely on kicker Mike Badgley’s 54-yard field goal to secure a 24-17 lead. The defense, led by coordinator Aaron Glenn, held the Rams to two short field goals in the second half, securing the long-awaited victory.
- Stafford’s Valiant Effort Falls Short: Matthew Stafford, returning to face his former team, exhibited a valiant effort despite playing with a hand injury. His 367-yard, two-touchdown performance wasn’t enough to overcome the Lions’ defense. Puka Nacua, a record-breaking rookie, had nine receptions for 181 yards, setting a rookie record for playoff receiving yards.
- Goff Exorcises Demons: Jared Goff, traded from the Rams to the Lions three years ago, faced his former team with a chip on his shoulder. Goff’s leadership and efficient passing guided the Lions to an early lead, and while the second half saw fewer fireworks, he checked off key goals, securing his place as the Lions’ first playoff-winning quarterback in over 30 years.
- McVay’s Decisions Under Scrutiny: Rams head coach Sean McVay’s decisions, including clock management and timeouts, came under scrutiny. Peculiar choices in critical moments might have contributed to the Rams’ missed opportunities in the fourth quarter. The close game could have had a different outcome with different strategic decisions.
- Campbell’s Patience Pays Off: Lions head coach Dan Campbell, often mocked for his “biting kneecaps” introductory speech, saw his patience and focus on cultural transformation rewarded. The Lions’ gritty performance reflects the shift from an also-ran to a contender. While one playoff win is significant, the challenge ahead for the franchise is to build on this success.
As Detroit celebrates this monumental win, the Lions now look ahead to the divisional round with the hope of continuing their playoff journey and bringing more joy to their long-suffering fans.