The Detroit Lions (4-4) started to run the table on Monday Night. The Lions dominated the toothless Green Bay Packers (4-4) by a score of 30-17. Stafford carved Green Bay up with a 132 rating and Detroit’s defense dominated Brett Hundley. Let’s take a look at the beautiful action.
First Half
Green Bay started with the ball and had some nice scripted plays to move down the field. Detroit bent but didn’t break and forced a field goal attempt. A’Shawn Robinson penetrated and blocked the kick after a low snap by the Packers new long snapper. The game remained scoreless.
Detroit started hot and drove right down the field on the Packers defense for 71 yards. The drive started slow but a Mike Daniels head butt kept it going for the Lions. Stafford found Tate for 15 yards and Abdullah had his best run of the night for 11 yards. Finally, Stafford connected with beautiful throw and catch to Marvin Jones for the opening drive touchdown.
Green Bay went 3 and out as Detroit forced two tackles for loss on first and second down. The Lions moved the ball again but this time was stopped at the 38 yard line. Prater attempted a 55 yard field goal but it hit the cross bar and fell short. Green Bay earned great field position but only got one yard on the next drive for another three and out. The Lions defense was stifling.
Green Bay got a good punt and the Lions started with poor field position at the nine yard line after a Nevin Lawson special team penalty. This wouldn’t stop Detroit as they marched 91 yards. Abdullah, Tate and Fells earned big first downs. Tate converted another 3rd and 3 with shifty moves and Abdullah ran for two big first downs. Finally, Abdullah capped the drive with a rushing TD and Lions 14-0 lead. Detroit was on fire.
Green Bay actually responded with a good 2 minute drill drive and a fire drill field goal to end the half. The Lions lead was cut to 14-3 at half time.
Second Half
Detroit opened with the ball in the second half and created a nice field goal drive. Riddick ran for 14 yards and Tate had a huge play for 21 yards on 2nd and 18 after a big sack on a botched flea flicker. Tate converted a second first down on the drive but the drive stalled after that first down. Prater nailed the 44 yard field goal for the 17-3 lead.
Green Bay responded with one first down on the next drive but went for it on 4th and 2 from their own 42 yard line. Glover Quin made a tremendous play tackling Randall Cobb for a loss and Green Bay turned the ball over on downs.
Stafford hit the turkey hole for 17 yards to TJ Jones to move the ball. However, Ameer Abdullah somehow fumbled when the play was stacked up. The whistle should have been blown but wasn’t and the Lions got charged with a fumble that Green Bay recovered.
Green Bay had a great chance to turn the momentum and tried to fire to Nelson deep. Darius Slay had great blanket coverage and forced the incompletion. Slay made a big play on 3rd down to kill the drive too and the Packers had to punt.
Detroit would continue to move the ball all day on the next drive. The Lions drove 63 yards but Detroit’s terrible goal line offense reared its ugly head. Abdullah fumbled again on first down but the Lions recovered. Theo Riddick was stopped short on 2nd down and a QB sneak failed on 3rd down. Prater nailed the 19 yard field goal for the 20-3 lead.
Green Bay tried to get back in the game with their best drive of the day. Hundley hit Randall Cobb for a huge 46 yard play. Davante Adams nabbed a first down and Hundley snuck the ball in the end zone for the touchdown. The Packers cut the lead to 10.
Detroit responded right away with the Packers gaining ground. Cooter called the perfect blitz beater screen for 63 yards to Theo Riddick. Detroit finally finished again in the red zone as Marvin Jones made another great touchdown catch for the 27-10 lead. Detroit was dominating the game.
Green answered with one first down but ended up turning over the ball on downs. A big Tavon Wilson blitzing sack on first down really hurt the Packers drive. The Lions drove 33 yards and Prater nailed his third field goal on the day for the commanding 30-10 lead.
Detroit went into prevent and allowed the Packers to march to a TD in garbage time. Jamaal Williams scored as time expired but the Lions got a big win on the road by a score of 30-17.
Moving Forward
Detroit moved into second place and closer to catching Minnesota. Detroit needed a big win and they earned it. Now they must play well (at least 6-2) in the second half of the season to catch the Vikings. The Lions host the winless Browns while the Packers visit Soldier Field in another North matchup. Detroit has won two of the last three games at Lambeau Field. Detroit is back!! Boombaya!!!