Last Sunday the Detroit Lions were lucky enough to have hosted their first home playoff game in 30 years against the Los Angeles Rams. Aside from the fact that this was only Detroit’s third playoff appearance in 10 years, there was also significant interest in the battle of the quarterbacks.
In the 2021 off-seasons, the Lions traded their former number one overall pick Matthew Stafford to the Rams in exchange for quarterback Jared Goff, as well as three first round picks in 2021, 2022, and 2023, respectively.
Needless to say, the Lions were incredibly excited to prove to Stafford that they were better off without him, ending the first quarter of the game 14-3 thanks to the help of running back David Montgomery. At half time, though, the score began to inch closer and closer as the Rams brought the score to 17-21 in large part due to a 50 yard pass to sensational rookie Puka Nacua.
Over the rest of the game, the Rams made a valiant effort but were unable to overcome the defense of the Lions, scoring only six points in the second half. The final score of the game was 23-24 Detroit, with fans so ecstatic about this win in the playoffs that according to local Detroit magazine Pride of Detroit, fans were actually able to set a new decibel record within the stadium at 133.6. According to the CDC, that is equivalent to the sound a jet engine produces.
While Detroit may still be in the playoffs, competition doesn’t get any easier from here, as the team will have to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Sunday, a team fresh off a 32-9 blowout against defending NFC champions, the Philadelphia Eagles. The Lions, however, will still get the luxury of playing on their home field. This increases the chances that fans will show up in droves to support the team. Only time will be able to tell, however. The game will be at 2 o’clock on NBC. Will you be watching?
