Full Breakdown
Lions Edge Packers with Last-Second Field Goal in NFC North Clash
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Game Summary
On Sunday, the Detroit Lions defeated the Green Bay Packers 20-17 at Ford Field. The win came after head coach Dan Campbell elected to go for it on fourth-and-1 from his own 24-yard line with under five minutes remaining. The attempt failed, but the Lions’ defense forced a three-and-out, a blocked field-goal attempt by Trey Smack, and a short-field drive that ended with Jake Bates converting a 22-yard field goal as time expired. The victory moved Detroit to 4-2 on the season, leap-frogging Green Bay (4-3) for third place in the NFC North behind the Minnesota Vikings (6-0) and Chicago Bears (5-2).
Key Plays and Decisions
- Fourth-down gamble: With 4:53 left, Campbell chose to attempt a conversion on fourth-and-1. Jahmyr Gibbs was tackled short by Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon, turning the ball over on downs.
- Blocked field goal: After the Packers tied the game at 17, D.J. Wonnum penetrated the line and blocked Smack’s 35-yard try, preserving the Lions’ chance to win.
- Final drive: Starting at their own 25, Detroit drove 71 yards in 10 plays. Goff completed an 18-yard pass to Sam LaPorta, and Gibbs added a 15-yard rush before Bates’ game-winning kick.
Statistical Highlights
- Final score: Lions 20, Packers 17.
- Detroit offense: Jared Goff 22-for-32, 303 yards, 2 TDs (both to Jameson Williams). Jahmyr Gibbs 29 carries, 116 yards; Amon-Ra St. Brown 9 receptions, 153 yards.
- Green Bay offense: Jordan Love 27-for-45, 274 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT. Josh Jacobs 5 receptions, 55 yards, 1 TD; also 11 carries for 36 yards.
- Special teams: Trey Smack missed two field goals (35-yard and 26-yard attempts), becoming the first rookie kicker since 2019 to miss two field goals of 35 yards or less in a single game.
- Penalties: Detroit was called for five penalties, a slight improvement over its season average of seven.
Why It Matters
The victory gave Detroit its second consecutive win for the first time this season and solidified its position in the tightly contested NFC North, where all four teams hold winning records. The win also marked the Lions’ first NFC North triumph of 2026, providing momentum heading into a Sunday matchup against the undefeated Vikings.
Verbatim Quotes
- “That was as good as it gets at clock management,” — Hide Caption Jared Goff
- “Our defense, we talk all the time about putting fires out,” — Dan Campbell, lions head coach
- “It wasn’t perfect, but, man, that’s what it’s about,” — Dan Campbell, lions head coach
- “I think just from his standpoint, one of the things that makes him so elite in that is his process. It’s uncomfortable and you don’t do it a ton in college anymore where you turn your back to the defense,” — Drew Petzing