On Sunday night, fans got their first glimpse of the 2024 Detroit Lions in action. The team did not hold a banner ceremony for last season’s NFC North Championship – that achievement was celebrated at the end of last year.
This season is all about moving forward, and Sunday’s game provided the first meaningful look at the Lions’ key players, who had been rested throughout the preseason.
Head coach Dan Campbell acknowledged that the game was far from perfect, but he emphasized that a win is still a win. The Lions kicked off the season with a 26-20 victory over the Los Angeles Rams, marking their second consecutive 1-0 start.
“This is our first taste. We’ll get better. We’ll get into a better flow on both sides of the ball. But at the end of the day, our defense held these guys to fewer points than our offense scored,” Campbell noted. “We found a way to win.”
The season opener could be summarized as a gritty win. It may not have been flawless, but the Lions emerged with a 1-0 record, which is ultimately what matters.
Quarterback Jared Goff delivered an efficient performance, completing 18 of 28 passes for 217 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. Meanwhile, the Lions’ defense allowed Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford to throw for 317 yards.
Campbell, who chose to rest his starters during the preseason, praised the Rams as a formidable opponent that came prepared to Ford Field. “They adjusted to some things that we threw at them well, and they just kept coming. They fought and they fought,” Campbell said. “I respect them, especially Stafford. He played lights out, took hit after hit, and still kept getting up and making incredible throws. I give them a lot of credit. They fought hard, but we’re tough to break. We did what we had to do.”
The key difference in the game was the Lions’ ability to run the ball effectively. Detroit amassed 163 rushing yards, nearly double the Rams’ 83 yards.
Running back David Montgomery was a major contributor, gaining 91 yards on the ground and scoring the game-winning touchdown in overtime. The Lions had initially lost a two-touchdown lead in the third quarter but managed to mount their own comeback.
After winning the coin toss in overtime, Detroit capitalized on the opportunity, gaining at least 9 yards on each of their first four plays to set up Montgomery’s decisive score.
Campbell was full of praise for Montgomery, highlighting his preparation and performance. “He’s in unbelievable shape. He’s worked extremely hard. And he’s reliable, runs heavy, tough, and physical. He gets into a rhythm, and I think he’s a catalyst for us. He keeps getting better, and the line feeds off of him. That guy’s a stud,” Campbell said.
Looking ahead, the Lions will have a few days to prepare for their next challenge: another playoff rematch, this time against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In their last meeting in January, Detroit came out on top with a 31-23 victory.
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