Running Man: Lions impress in opener

By Joey Schwindt
Sports Writer

It’s that time of the year again when the Detroit Lions kick off a new NFL season. The Lions have a lot to be excited about following a 2023 campaign, which was their best season since the Barry Sanders days.

Last year’s incredible run culminated in a crushing defeat in the NFC championship game against the San Francisco 49ers. The Lions will look to get back to that stage after returning key players and bolstering their defense in the offseason.

Detroit kicked off its 2024 season on Sunday night, Sept. 14 with a thrilling 26-20 overtime victory against the Rams at Ford Field in Detroit.

 Jared Goff and the Lions offense heated up in the second quarter with a 77-yard drive down the field that ended in a one-yard touchdown run by Jahmyr Gibbs to take a 10-3 lead going into halftime.

A crucial stop was made by the Lions’ defense slightly before the two-minute warning to get the ball back, down by three points, 20-17.  Detroit marched down the field and Jake Bates hit a 32-yard field goal with 17 seconds left to take the game into overtime.

The coin toss went the Lions way, giving them the ball to start the extra period. Overtime was all about Detroit running back David Montgomery, who would have his way with the Rams defense; marching down the field.

The Lions sealed the deal following a walk-off one yard touchdown run by Montgomery to defeat Los Angeles and begin the season 1-0. It should be another exciting season for the Motor City Lions.