Folks, they have done it. Against all odds, the Detroit Lions have won their first game of the season, thanks to some late-game heroics from the offense, as well as a complete collapse by the Minnesota Vikings' defense. After the dismal 0-10-1 start, the Lions can finally add that coveted “1” to the win column.
The Lions had the lead late but surrendered a touchdown deep into the fourth quarter. Fortunately, they got the ball back, and Jared Goff does what he does… sometimes? The Lions quarterback looked exceptional as he picked apart the Minnesota secondary on the game's final drive, culminating in an 11-yard game-winning touchdown pass to wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.
The game featured everything you'd expect from Detroit's first win of the season. Sloppy quarterback play, absurd turnovers, multiple lead changes, and of course some truly mind-boggling decisions resulted in the 29-27 victory for the Lions, and the first win of Dan Campbell's head coaching career.
After the Vikings jumped ahead 6-0, the Lions scored 20 unanswered points in the second quarter to take a lead at the half. Back-to-back touchdowns, both with failed two-point conversions saw the Vikings take a 27-23 lead. But as we've seen time and time again this year, you don't leave time on the clock for the opposing team, if it can be avoided. That rule apparently applies to Goff and the Lions, too, and the Vikings found that out the hard way.
Goff had a night to remember his first Detroit victory, throwing for 296 yards, three touchdowns, and just one interception. Expect the Lions locker room to be buzzing tonight, and they've earned it after the work they've put in to keep their heads high amid what was a truly tough season.