David Montgomery had spent four seasons with the Chicago Bears without ever defeating Green Bay, yet somehow found himself wearing Detroit Lions gear on Thursday evening and leading them to an emphatic 34-20 win at Lambeau Field. It’s certainly no coincidence.
“Coming into work today was something entirely new for me,” Montgomery noted, upon contemplating his recent success. Montgomery, displaying sheer determination, carried the ball 32 times despite sitting out the Lions’ previous victory over the Atlanta Falcons due to a thigh bruise. His remarkable feat made him the first Lion ever to rush for three touchdowns at Green Bay and the first Detroit player to surpass 100 yards rushing with three TDs since James Stewart accomplished it in 2000.
Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown showered Montgomery with praise, saying, “He was balling. We can count on him whenever. Give him the ball, he’s going to make something happen.”
The Lions have now moved their record up to 3-1 after dominating Green Bay Packers (2-2) for four consecutive times, most notably Aaron Rodgers’ final game with them in Aaron Rodgers’ last regular-season contest before departing Green Bay and joining Kansas City Chiefs as reigning Super Bowl Champions. Their success this year, including road victories over Green Bay and Kansas City Chiefs has no doubt raised Detroit spirits significantly.
Goff completed 19 of 28 passes for 210 yards with three touchdowns and an interception, exuding confidence about their team as he explained, “[we feel confident we could] beat any opponent that lines up against us; that is an awesome feeling to have!”
Jordan Love, Aaron Rodgers’ replacement quarterback, attempted to rally the Packers during the second half by scoring both ways: passing for one touchdown and running one himself.
This was the highest scoring opening half by any opponent against whom the Lions have competed (188 games total).
Packers fans were taken aback after witnessing an impressive comeback against New Orleans Saints earlier in the week; scoring 18 points in 11 minutes late to win by just one-point. But their slow start against Lions proved unsurmountable and led them down an unexpected route towards defeat.
“I think just offensively as a whole we’ve just got to start faster,” admitted Love. “We don’t start fast and we kind of get behind and it’s hard running the ball. We get put in situations where you’ve got to throw the ball. So I think we’ve just got to start faster.”
Love’s efforts to draw within 10 points failed when Montgomery scored on fourth down for an easy 1-yard touchdown run that effectively sealed the game for Detroit.
At an important juncture in the game, Green Bay’s Quay Walker received an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty while trying to block a field goal attempt, giving Detroit another first down and helping extend their lead further.
Given how poorly the Packers started the game, it’s remarkable that it remained close until late in the fourth quarter – however Montgomery’s impressive play helped seal their victory and seal an unexpected upset win for Detroit!
Injuries were prevalent on both teams during this game; yet Detroit Lions emerged victorious, solidifying themselves as contenders in NFC North.
As David Montgomery celebrated his redemption and the Lions displayed impressive play, their fans couldn’t help but wonder whether this year could finally mark a breakthrough and produce playoff run. Only time will tell, but David Montgomery’s triumphant return to Lambeau Field remains one of many moments Lions fans won’t soon forget.
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