During a rainy confrontation in Lambeau, the Detroit Lions earned a hard-fought 24-14 victory over their division rivals, the Green Bay Packers.
Division games always bring an extra layer of intensity, but taking on the Packers in Lambeau adds even more fire. The Lions rose to the challenge, playing to their strengths in difficult weather conditions by relying heavily on their ground game. Capitalizing on the Packers’ mistakes, the Lions battled their way to their seventh victory of the season, marking their third straight victory in Green Bay territory.
Let’s dive into the Lions’ Studs and Duds from this divisional triumph against the Packers.
Stallion: Sonic and Knuckles
With the bad weather in Green Bay, it was no surprise that the Lions relied heavily on their running game, and their dynamic duo delivered. David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs combined for 28 carries, racking up 138 yards and a Gibbs touchdown, demonstrating the versatility and power of Detroit’s ground attack.
Credit also goes to the offensive line, who led the way with strong run blocking, allowing Montgomery and Gibbs to put up tough yards, chip away at the clock and ultimately put the game on ice.
Failed: Brian Branch
This is a game that Branch will likely take a close look at to learn some key lessons. On a clearly missed catch by Bo Melton, Branch lowered his head and made helmet-to-helmet contact instead of going for a standard tackle, resulting in an unnecessary roughness penalty. Officials determined the hit warranted an ejection, which visibly frustrated Branch and led to an additional unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
Even though the penalties were justified and the sending off was understandable, it was difficult to watch for fans and coaches. Here’s hoping Branch bounces back and uses this experience to refine his approach.
Stallion: Kerby Joseph
With Branch sidelined, Joseph stepped in to lead the secondary and delivered another remarkable performance. Just before halftime, he picked off an off-target pass from Jordan Love, returning it for his first career pick and pushing the Lions to a 17-3 lead that they would hold for the rest of the game. Joseph is quietly emerging as one of the best safeties in the league, consistently taking away the ball or breaking up plays before they can develop. His ability to secure the deep field significantly limits opposing attacks, which is a testament to his high-level play and instincts.
Missed: QB pressure
The Lions’ defensive line has been battered by injuries and illness, leaving them shorthanded and vulnerable. This lack of depth was apparent against the Packers, as Jordan Love often had plenty of time to scan the field. Without several missed passes and inaccurate throws, the game could have had a very different outcome. Relying on limited pressure early on is risky, as a quarterback will eventually capitalize on the extra time.
The Lions are hoping for reinforcements next week to strengthen the line and relieve some pressure on their secondary.
Stallion: Jack Campbell
Quietly emerging as a star for the Lions, Campbell is proving to be an increasingly effective linebacker and key leader on defense. Each week, he shows growth in both playmaking and leadership, helping lead a unit that has had a strong run of limiting opponents. Campbell led the team with 13 tackles, consistently appearing wherever the ball was, either making the play himself or assisting.
Although his coverage skills were once considered a potential weakness, he is steadily improving in this area, redefining his role as a reliable presence on the field. Campbell is becoming a hidden force in Aaron Glenn’s defense, and his trajectory only seems to be going up.
Stud: Le Goff/St. Brown connection
It’s hard to find a quarterback/receiver duo more in sync than Jared Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown. Their chemistry is almost uncanny, with the two completing an incredible 30 consecutive passes between them, including another touchdown connection today. Even Coach Campbell expressed admiration for the bond they developed, calling him a vital part of the Lions core. No matter the situation, Goff and St. Brown prove time and time again that they can deliver when it matters most, making them one of the most reliable tandems in the league.
This article was originally published on Lions Wire: Strong victory for the Lions Studs and Duds against the Packers
