Lions beat Packers in NFC North showdown
DETROIT – The Detroit Lions defeated the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, 19-7. The Lions defense held the Packers to just 223 yards of offense.
Detroit’s defense accounted for nine of the team’s 17 points. In the first quarter, Packers running back Eddie Lacy fumbled the ball at his own 40-yard line. Lions defensive back Don Carey picked up the ball and ran it 40-yards into the endzone for the score to put Detroit up 7-0.
Green Bay answered the Lions touchdown late in the first quarter, when Aaron Rodgers connected with tight end Andrew Quarless from 10-yards out to make it a 7-7 game.
The Lions were able to take a two-point lead in the second quarter, when Lacy was brought down in the end zone by a host of Detroit defenders. Lions rookie field goal kicker Nate Freese added a 30-yard field goal on the Packers’ ensuing free kick to give the Lions a 12-7 halftime lead.
Detroit increased their lead in the fourth quarter, when Reggie Bush was able to get loose and run the ball in for six from the Packers 26-yard line, making it 19-7 in favor of the home team. The Lions had control of the football for more than 38 minutes.
Detroit held Rodgers in check for most of the game. The Packers signal caller finished the game 16 of 27 for 162 yards and a touchdown.
With the win, the Lions are now 2-1 this season. Green Bay falls to 1-2. Detroit plays at New York against the Jets on Sunday, Sept. 28. The Packers have another NFC North road game, this time at Chicago against the Bears, also on tap for Sunday, Sept. 28.
Game Notes
-Lions LB Stephen Tulloch left the game with an apparent knee injury.
-Lions DB Don Carey left the game with a hamstring injury.
-Packers LB Clay Matthews left the game with a groin injury.
-Lions QB Matthew Stafford finished the game 22 of 34 for 246 yards and two interceptions.
-The two teams will meet again in Green Bay on Dec. 28 to conclude the regular season.