NFL Week 7 Fallout: Lions’ Defense Helps Them Announce Themselves as Super Bowl Contenders
A crucial defensive response
For much of Dan Campbell’s tenure, Detroit’s offense has been strong enough to compete for a Super Bowl, while the defense has held the team back. Against Green Bay, the Lions showed they could make key plays on defense against a good team.
Detroit intercepted Love in the fourth quarter and kept the Packers from turning their passing game into big gains. Green Bay finished with 324 total yards; Love threw for 274 yards and two touchdowns.
Help from familiar strengths
Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard used the bye week to look for what Campbell had called the “meat on the bone” of the defense. Safety Brian Branch also returned after tearing his Achilles 10 months earlier.
A chance to build momentum
Detroit’s defensive troubles had grown after the team allowed 481 yards in a 45-21 loss to Washington in the 2024 divisional round. That defeat ended a 15-2 season, and injuries and Aaron Glenn’s departure as defensive coordinator added to the problems.
The performance against Green Bay may mark a turning point. Over the next four weeks, the Lions face the Vikings, Dolphins and Buccaneers, giving the defense an opportunity to build on Sunday’s showing.
Key points
- Detroit beat Green Bay 20-17 with a defense that made key plays against a strong opponent.
- The Lions intercepted Jordan Love in the fourth quarter and held the Packers to 324 total yards.
- Brian Branch returned to the lineup after tearing his Achilles 10 months earlier.
- Upcoming games against the Vikings, Dolphins and Buccaneers could help Detroit’s defense gain momentum.