Sunday night football opened with intensity, miscues and a few explosive moments as the Detroit Lions headed into halftime trailing the Philadelphia Eagles in a low-scoring, grind-heavy matchup. While neither offense found consistent rhythm, the first half delivered plenty of drama — from a momentum-shifting early turnover to aggressive fourth-down decisions that shaped the flow of the game.
Detroit opened the night with a sluggish offensive start, but its defense immediately set a tone. Defensive end Aidan Hutchinson made his presence felt on the Eagles’ first possession, collapsing the right side of the line and drawing a holding penalty against tackle Lane Johnson. The veteran lineman exited the game shortly after and did not return in the first half, a significant development that shifted Philadelphia’s protection schemes and allowed Detroit’s front to apply steady pressure.
The Lions’ opening drive showed promise as Jared Goff completed a 10-yard pass to Amon-Ra St. Brown for an early first down. But momentum evaporated moments later. Eagles defensive tackle Jordan Davis tipped a Goff pass at the line of scrimmage, resulting in an interception that set Philadelphia up at the Detroit 10. Cornerback Rock Ya-Sin stood strong early, breaking up two passes intended for A.J. Brown, helping Detroit limit the damage to a field goal.
After a Detroit three-and-out, the Lions defense delivered again, stuffing a third-and-one run to give the ball back. Detroit attempted to seize control with an aggressive fourth-down attempt on the ensuing drive, but the conversion attempt fell short, continuing a first quarter marked by risk-taking and stalled momentum. Philadelphia ended the opening period with a 3-0 lead.
Early in the second quarter, Lions head coach Dan Campbell dialed up trademark boldness with a fake punt on fourth-and-one from the Detroit 40. Philadelphia, however, appeared ready for it and halted the attempt to set up another short field. The Eagles capitalized with a second field goal, extending their lead to 6-0.
Detroit finally broke through on the following possession. Goff found St. Brown for a 34-yard gain, then connected with Jameson Williams on a deep 40-yard touchdown strike, giving Detroit its first major spark of the night. Williams drew an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty after the play, pushing the extra-point attempt back to 48 yards. Kicker Jake Bates missed wide, leaving the score tied at 6.
Philadelphia responded with its most efficient drive of the half, leaning on a balanced mix of short passes and designed quarterback runs. Quarterback Jalen Hurts capped the possession with a one-yard “tush push’’ touchdown, restoring the Eagles’ lead at 13-6.
Detroit’s defense continued to battle late in the half, forcing pressure and limiting explosive plays, but the offense couldn’t generate a final scoring opportunity before the break.
At halftime, Campbell praised his defense for keeping the Lions within reach. “The defense is doing a hell of a job. We took a few risks and they didn’t go our way,” he said, referencing the unsuccessful fake punt.
As the teams return for the second half, Detroit remains within striking distance, relying on a defense that has kept the game tight — and hoping the offense can find steadier footing.