Green Bay Packers vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats

The Green Bay Packers vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats have one of the most storied rivalries in the NFL, known as the Lions-Packers rivalry or the Yooper Bowl. This matchup, dating back to 1929, is the longest uninterrupted competition in the league, with the teams meeting twice each season since 1932. The 2024 season brought two electrifying games between these NFC North powerhouses, with the Lions emerging victorious in both contests. In this article, we’ll dive into the player stats, key moments, and standout performances from their Week 14 clash on December 5, 2024, where the Lions clinched a dramatic 34-31 win over the Packers, securing a playoff spot. We’ll break it down in a way that’s easy to read and understand for fans of all ages, complete with a detailed stats table for clarity.

A Game for the Ages: Lions 34, Packers 31

The December 5, 2024, game at Ford Field was a classic NFC North battle, filled with lead changes, aggressive play-calling, and clutch performances. The Lions, led by head coach Dan Campbell’s bold strategy, went for it on fourth down five times, converting four, including a critical play in the final seconds that set up Jake Bates’ game-winning 35-yard field goal. The Packers, despite a valiant comeback from a 10-point halftime deficit, couldn’t overcome Detroit’s clock control and offensive firepower. Let’s explore the key player stats and what made this game so memorable.

Quarterback Showdown: Jared Goff vs Jordan Love

Jared Goff’s Precision Passing

Jared Goff, the Lions’ quarterback, was the architect of their victory. Completing 32 of 41 passes for 283 yards, Goff threw three touchdowns and one interception, finishing with a 109.7 passer rating. His ability to distribute the ball was historic, as six Lions players had at least five receptions—a first in NFL history according to OptaSTATS. Goff’s poise shone through on critical plays, like a 19-yard pass to Jameson Williams to kick off the final drive and a 2-yard touchdown pass to Jahmyr Gibbs on fourth-and-goal just before halftime. Despite an interception in the third quarter that led to a Packers touchdown, Goff rallied, connecting with Tim Patrick for a go-ahead 1-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Jordan Love’s Gritty Performance

On the Packers’ side, Jordan Love showed resilience despite a slow start. He completed 12 of 20 passes for 206 yards, throwing one touchdown and no interceptions. Love averaged over 10 yards per pass attempt, a testament to his ability to stretch the field, especially in the second half where he went 9 of 13 for 175 yards. His 8-yard touchdown pass to Tucker Kraft early in the third quarter sparked Green Bay’s comeback. However, the Packers’ limited possession time—running just 45 plays compared to Detroit’s 75—hindered Love’s ability to find a rhythm early. A costly timeout burned in the third quarter also hurt Green Bay’s chances late in the game.

Running Game: Power and Persistence

Lions’ Dynamic Duo: Montgomery and Gibbs

The Lions’ running back tandem of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, nicknamed “Sonic and Knuckles,” made franchise history as the first duo to each record at least 12 scrimmage touchdowns in a single season. Montgomery carried the ball 14 times for 51 yards, including a 3-yard touchdown in the first quarter. His most crucial play came on fourth-and-1 from the Green Bay 21 with 43 seconds left, where he gained 7 yards despite Goff tripping during the handoff, setting up the game-winning field goal. Gibbs added 14 carries for 43 yards and caught a 2-yard touchdown pass, though he was stopped on a rare failed fourth-down attempt in the third quarter.

Josh Jacobs’ Career Night

For the Packers, Josh Jacobs was a workhorse, rushing 18 times for 66 yards and scoring a career-high-tying three touchdowns. His 1-yard, 4-yard, and 3-yard touchdown runs kept Green Bay in the game, with the third score coming after a Lions’ failed fourth-down attempt. Jacobs’ performance made him the third player in Packers history to score eight rushing touchdowns over a four-game span, joining legends Jim Taylor and Aaron Jones. However, a nullified touchdown due to an offensive pass interference penalty on Christian Watson limited his impact in a critical moment.

Receiving Corps: Spreading the Wealth

Lions’ Balanced Attack

Detroit’s receiving corps showcased their depth, with six players catching at least five passes. Jameson Williams led with 5 receptions for 80 yards, including a 28-yard gain in the first quarter that set up an early score. Amon-Ra St. Brown had 5 catches for 43 yards, while Sam LaPorta added 5 for 54 yards, including a 10-yard grab that drew a penalty and kept a drive alive. Tim Patrick was the surprise star, catching 6 passes for 43 yards and two touchdowns, both in the second half, proving his value as a clutch target. This balanced distribution overwhelmed Green Bay’s defense, which struggled to cover multiple threats.

Christian Watson’s Big Plays

Christian Watson was Green Bay’s top receiver, hauling in 4 catches for 114 yards. His 29-yard reception in the fourth quarter set up a crucial field goal, but a costly illegal contact penalty on a blocked touchdown run and a first-half fumble after a 20-yard gain hurt the Packers’ momentum. Jayden Reed, a key target in the earlier November 3 matchup (5 catches for 113 yards), was held without a reception, a testament to Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn’s game plan to neutralize him.

Defensive Standouts

Lions’ Injury-Riddled Defense Holds Firm

Despite missing 13 defensive players to injury, the Lions’ defense stepped up. Linebacker Jack Campbell led with 8 tackles (3 solo), while Za’Darius Smith recorded a sack on Green Bay’s first play, setting an aggressive tone. Kerby Joseph’s third-quarter interception in the November 3 game (a 27-yard pick-six) wasn’t repeated, but his presence in the secondary limited Love’s deep throws. Detroit’s defense forced a critical three-and-out late and held Green Bay to a field goal, allowing their offense to control the clock.

Packers’ Defensive Efforts

For Green Bay, Rashan Gary recorded a sack, and Isaiah McDuffie led with 15 tackles (4 solo). The Packers’ defense struggled in the red zone, allowing Detroit to convert 4 of 5 fourth-down attempts and 4 of 5 red-zone trips. Keisean Nixon’s interception of Goff in the third quarter set up a Jacobs touchdown, but penalties, including an illegal contact call on Nixon, proved costly.

Special Teams: The Deciding Factor

Jake Bates was the hero for Detroit, nailing a 35-yard field goal as time expired to seal the 34-31 victory. His earlier 43-yard field goal in the second quarter extended the Lions’ lead to 10-0. For Green Bay, Brandon McManus tied the game with a 32-yard field goal with 3:38 left but couldn’t get another chance as Detroit controlled the final possession.

Key Moments That Defined the Game

• Lions’ Fourth-Down Aggressiveness: Dan Campbell’s decision to go for it on fourth down five times, including the game-clinching play, showcased his trust in the offense. The Lions converted 4 of 5 attempts, with the only failure leading to a Packers touchdown.

• Second-Half Comeback: Green Bay erased a 17-7 halftime deficit with two quick touchdowns in the third quarter, but Detroit answered each time, maintaining control.

• Clock Control: Detroit ran 75 offensive plays to Green Bay’s 45, holding the ball for over 36 minutes. This limited the Packers’ opportunities to mount a final drive.

• Penalties and Mistakes: Green Bay’s seven penalties for 59 yards, including offensive pass interference and illegal contact, hurt their chances. A burned timeout in the third quarter also proved costly.

Green Bay Packers vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats Table

Here’s a clear and concise table summarizing the key Green Bay Packers vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats from the December 5, 2024, game:

Player	Team	Position	Stats
Jared Goff	Lions	QB	32/41, 283 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT, 109.7 rating
Jordan Love	Packers	QB	12/20, 206 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT, 10.3 yards/attempt
David Montgomery	Lions	RB	14 carries, 51 yards, 1 TD; 7-yard gain on fourth-and-1
Jahmyr Gibbs	Lions	RB	14 carries, 43 yards; 2-yard TD catch
Josh Jacobs	Packers	RB	18 carries, 66 yards, 3 TD
Jameson Williams	Lions	WR	5 receptions, 80 yards
Amon-Ra St. Brown	Lions	WR	5 receptions, 43 yards
Sam LaPorta	Lions	TE	5 receptions, 54 yards
Tim Patrick	Lions	WR	6 receptions, 43 yards, 2 TD
Christian Watson	Packers	WR	4 receptions, 114 yards
Tucker Kraft	Packers	TE	1 reception, 8 yards, 1 TD
Jack Campbell	Lions	LB	8 tackles (3 solo)
Isaiah McDuffie	Packers	LB	15 tackles (4 solo)
Rashan Gary	Packers	DE	1 sack
Za’Darius Smith	Lions	DE	1 sack
Jake Bates	Lions	K	2/2 FG (43, 35 yards)
Brandon McManus	Packers	K	1/1 FG (32 yards)

Why This Game Matters

This game wasn’t just about stats—it was a statement. The Lions’ 12-1 record and franchise-record 11-game win streak solidified their status as NFC contenders, while the Packers’ 9-4 record kept them in the playoff hunt but eliminated them from the NFC North race. The rivalry’s intensity, with multiple lead changes and physical play (including a pre-game altercation involving a flag-bearer), made it a playoff-like atmosphere. For fans, it was a reminder of why this matchup is a highlight of the NFL season.

Historical Context: Green Bay Packers vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats Rivalry

The Green Bay Packers vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats have met 191 times since 1930, with Green Bay leading 106-78-7. However, Detroit has won 6 of the last 10 games, including both in 2024, showing their recent dominance. The November 3 game saw the Lions win 24-14 at Lambeau Field, with Goff throwing for 145 yards and a touchdown, and Kerby Joseph’s pick-six sealing the deal. The December game’s high-scoring affair (51.5-point over/under) highlighted both teams’ offensive prowess and set the stage for potential playoff rematches.

What’s Next for Green Bay Packers vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats Both Teams?

The Lions, now 12-1, face a tough schedule with games against the Buffalo Bills and others, aiming to secure the NFC’s top seed. The Packers, at 9-4, head to Seattle for a Sunday night matchup, looking to stay in the wild-card race. Both teams showed they can compete with the NFL’s best, making their next encounter—potentially in the playoffs—one to watch.

Conclusion

The Green Bay Packers vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats on December 5, 2024, was a thrilling showcase of talent, strategy, and heart. Jared Goff’s precision, Josh Jacobs’ touchdown spree, and Dan Campbell’s bold play-calling defined a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the NFL, this matchup was a perfect example of why football captivates millions. Stay tuned for more epic battles in this historic rivalry!