Lions Take Down Packers as Brian Branch Shines in Return to Detroit

The Detroit Lions woke up victorious Monday morning after defeating the Green Bay Packers 20–17. Detroit is now a perfect 3–0 at home and welcomed back Pro Bowl safety Brian Branch, who had a massive impact on the game.

Branch finished with the highest PFF grade on the Lions’ defense at 91.5, along with a team-high defensive coverage grade of 88.0. He was not targeted a single time in coverage but recorded one interception and four tackles.

Although Detroit’s offense looked a little shaky, scoring its fewest points of the season, the Lions accomplished something they hadn’t done all year: scoring a touchdown on their opening drive. Had Detroit failed to do so, the outcome of this game might have been different.

Jared Goff played lights out, completing 22 of 32 pass attempts for 303 yards and two touchdowns. He also led the Lions down the field for a game-winning field goal, marking his 18th game-winning drive with Detroit. Goff also became the first quarterback in NFL history to record at least 14 touchdown passes without a turnover through the first six games of a season.

Both wide receivers, Jameson Williams and Amon-Ra St. Brown, stepped up in a big way. St. Brown recorded nine receptions on 11 targets for 153 yards, while Williams hauled in five receptions for 91 yards and two touchdowns. Williams now has four touchdowns over his last two games.

Following Sam LaPorta’s comments about contract negotiations last week, the tight end had his quietest game of the season, recording just one reception on two targets for 18 yards. LaPorta had previously recorded at least 40 receiving yards in every game this season, including 80 or more yards in each of his last two contests.

Despite a costly fumble, Jahmyr Gibbs had a relatively productive game, rushing 29 times for 116 yards while adding five receptions for 27 yards.

Late in the game, Green Bay appeared to allow Gibbs a potential touchdown in an attempt to get the ball back. However, Gibbs instinctively went down at the 1-yard line, helping seal the victory for Detroit.

As Gibbs went down, he appeared to land awkwardly, seemingly getting his cleat caught underneath his leg before getting up with a slight limp. This is something to monitor on the Lions’ practice report throughout the week, as Detroit can hardly afford to be without Gibbs when it faces Minnesota.

Detroit will now host the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field, where the Vikings arrive with a perfect 6–0 record as the NFL’s last remaining undefeated team. The Lions are currently three-point home favorites against Minnesota in a matchup that could have major implications for the NFC North race.