Talk about a thrilling Sunday Night Football game to wrap up this weekend’s NFL action.
The Detroit Lions won Sunday night’s rematch of last year’s Wild Card Round game over the Los Angeles Rams, but it was far from easy.
After blowing a 17-3 lead in the third quarter, the Lions kicked a game-tying field goal with 17 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter and then won the game on their opening drive in overtime.
Let’s dive into the most notable reactions from the NFL world following a very eventful premiere Sunday Night Football game for the 2024 season.
Notable Reactions to the Lions’ Overtime Win
The Lions have the top-ranked offensive line in the NFL. In their game-winning drive in overtime, they leaned heavily on their running game and their run blocking up front, which was cemented by David Montgomery’s game-sealing touchdown.
David Montgomery runs it in for the @Lions win! pic.twitter.com/iKUEHAvgMK
— NFL (@NFL) September 9, 2024
The NFL world certainly took notice of how the Lions executed their game-winning drive, where they called just one pass play.
Game-winning drive for the @Lions in overtime: Run, run, run, run, run, pass, run, run, run, run. 10 plays, 70 yards, will imposed.
Detroit gets the Rams, 26-20.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) September 9, 2024
For some football fans, there is no greater joy than watching a team put the game away by dominating on the ground.
The beauty of an OL and angry runner ending a game. Absolutely nothing to stop it
— Connor Rogers (@ConnorJRogers) September 9, 2024
After being one of the most popular head coaching candidates this past offseason, Lions offensive coordinator elected to return to Detroit.
Tonight, Johnson was a driving force behind the Lions’ commitment to their dominant ground attack in overtime.
establish pic.twitter.com/PXQWRtYRpA
— Tej Seth (@tejfbanalytics) September 9, 2024
Count Jason Kelce as someone who came away very impressed by the Lions’ heroics, which is no surprise considering his 13-year career as one of the NFL’s best offensive linemen.
Wow, Detroit just ran the ball down their throat. Holy shit that was an impressive drive in overtime!! I’ll be up for another 2 hours because of that, adrenaline is through the roof!
— Jason Kelce (@JasonKelce) September 9, 2024
The Lions embrace this smash-mouth mentality under head coach Dan Campbell. According to former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III, this is a typical victory for Campbell’s squad.
That’s a Dan Campbell Detroit Lions win if I ever saw one. Just gritty, biting knee caps through the ups and downs and finished off with a tough as nails run. The old Lions would have lost this game, but THESE AIN’T THE SAME OLD LIONS. pic.twitter.com/DGJJVsGu3s
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) September 9, 2024
While they came up short, the Rams still put up a very difficult fight.
Specifically, Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp were the stars for the Rams tonight.
Stafford was particularly gutsy after losing Puka Nacua and key starters on the offensive line due to injury, and Kupp had 14 receptions for 110 yards and one touchdown.
Despite their loss, the NFL world came away impressed with the Rams’ effort.
Matthew Stafford proving elite QB play can overcome poor O-line situations. Surgical.
— Kevin Patra (@kpatra) September 9, 2024
Others such as ESPN’s Ben Solak were amazed at how the Rams generated nearly 400 yards of offense with a very depleted unit.
I can’t believe the Rams are pulling this off. This line is nowhere near functional
— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) September 9, 2024
While Solak came away surprised by the Rams, CBS’ Will Brinson used Sunday night’s game to remind people that Stafford will be headed to Canton after he retires.
If you think Matthew Stafford isn’t a HOF QB you simply do not know ball
— Will Brinson (@WillBrinson) September 9, 2024
In the end, the Lions are now 1-0, and after an uncharacteristic performance from their passing offense, Detroit turned to the ground game late to seal the victory.
While the Rams might have come up short, they have other NFC contenders on notice with their perseverance.