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Detroit Lions, shorthanded and all, pull off huge divisional win over Packers, 34-31
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- Detroit Lions, shorthanded and all, pull off huge divisional win over Packers, 34-31
For the second straight week, the Detroit Lions took a double-digit lead into the half. And for the second straight week, the Lions found a way to hold on for a win after getting punched in the mouth after the break, beating the Packers , 34-31.
The Lions held a commanding 17-7 lead at halftime after Jahmyr Gibbs scored on a huge fourth-and-goal in the final second before the half, and it looked like the Lions' game to lose.
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But you knew Green Bay wouldn't make things easy in such a huge division game.
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The Packers scored on their first drive of the half after a long catch and run from Christian Watson put the Packers in great position, then intercepted Jared Goff on the next drive and scored quickly again to totally flip the game on its head.
The Lions responded with an impressive touchdown drive to take back the lead, then forced a punt, but Dan Campbell made a key decision to go for it on fourth down in the Packers' territory when their drive stalled that backfired badly. Jahmyr Gibbs was stuffed in the backfield, the Packers took over and scored four plays later.
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) makes a catch for a touchdown against Green Bay Packers during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024.
But as the Lions do, they responded with yet another efficient drive, topped off by a second Tim Patrick touchdown, to take a 31-28 lead.
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The Packers responded with a clinical, nine-play drive to get all the way deep into Detroit's territory and it looked like they had recaptured the lead until a penalty nullified a Josh Jacobs score and the Packers settled for three points.
With the game tied, 31-31, and the Lions needing a game-winning drive, the Lions moved into field goal range and killed the clock before rookie kicker Jake Bates nailed another major kick for the win.
After playing three games in 12 days, the Lions will have some much-needed extra time to rest before facing MVP favorite Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field on Sunday, Dec. 15.
This story will be updated.
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Dave Birkett will sign copies of his new book, " Detroit Lions : An Illustrated Timeline" at 7 p.m. Dec. 9 at Post Local Bistro in Plymouth. Order your copy here. Contact him at dbirkett@freepress.com . Follow him on Bluesky, X and Instagram at @davebirkett.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions pull off huge divisional win over Packers, 34-31
