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Friday November 22, 2024

Detroit Lions mark historic playoff win over Los Angeles Rams

Lions general manager Brad Holmes' reaction to team's first playoff victory in 32 years went viral online

By Web Desk
January 15, 2024
Amon-Ra St Brown #14 of the Detroit Lions runs with the ball during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Wild Card Playoffs at Ford Field on January 14, 2024, in Detroit, Michigan. — AFP
Amon-Ra St Brown #14 of the Detroit Lions runs with the ball during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Wild Card Playoffs at Ford Field on January 14, 2024, in Detroit, Michigan. — AFP

The Detroit Lions pulled off a stunning 24-23 victory over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, marking their first playoff win in 32 years, led by former Ram quarterback Jared Goff.

The Lions fought hard for the win in a nail-biting encounter at their Ford Field, which hosted a playoff game for the first time since 1993 before moving on to face the winner of Monday's game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a home game next week.

Sunday's game featured Goff against his former team and returning LA quarterback Matthew Stafford, who was swapped between the two teams in 2021.

The Lions started strong with David Montgomery's first touchdown, followed by Jahmyr Gibbs' 10-yard run to lead 14-3.

Stafford's 50-yard touchdown to Puka Nacua reconnected the Rams to an 11-point lead, while Tutu Atwell's 38-yard touchdown restored Detroit's lead after a two-yard pass from Goff, AFP reported.

The Lions extended their lead to 10 points with a 54-yard field goal from Michael Badgley, but the Rams tied it with two field goals from Brett Maher.

Goff secured the win with two first downs and an 11-yard pass to Amon-Ra St Brown which set off emotional celebrations among their long-suffering fans and managers.

"It means a whole lot to this city, we knew what it meant when this season started, to get into the playoffs and then get this win," said Goff. "It's just the beginning for us, we've got some road left."

Lions General Manager Brad Holmes celebrated the historic win with loud cheers which went viral online.

After the game, the Lions shared a video of head coach Dan Campbell and Holmes congratulating the players and hyping them for the next game.