Detroit Lions news: What they’re saying about the week 9 win over Packers
By Zac Snyder
Detroit Lions news reflects on a rare and satisfying road win over the Green Bay Packers and takes a look at what others are saying around the web.
Ahhhh…exhale…The Detroit Lions went into Lambeau Field as favorites in a nationally televised spot and totally and thoroughly controlled the Green Bay Packers in what turned out to be an easy win. That alone is enough to revel in for a fanbase that is used to just about the opposite in every facet happening in road trips to Wisconsin.
In the process, the Lions made some history. According to research using the Pro-Football-Reference.com game finder database, it was the first time an opponent went an entire game without a punt in Lambeau Field history. The Packers failed to force a punt in a 1981 game against the Minnesota Vikings but that game was played at County Stadium in Milwaukee. The Lions are now attached to some good history at a place that they have been tagged with some truly awful history.
The Lions became the first team this season to go without a punt. It was the first time the franchise did that since Thanksgiving Day 1971 in a win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Only the Atlanta Falcons accomplished that feat last season.
What might seem like just a week nine win has bigger ramifications. The difference between evening up their record at 4-4 instead of falling to 3-5 can’t be understated. The Lions now sit within striking distance of the NFC North-leading Minnesota Vikings (6-2) as the schedules begin to change. While the Lions schedule lightens up over the next several weeks, the Vikings are entering the more difficult part of their 2017 slate.
Though currently two games back of the Vikings, a Thanksgiving win in the 2017 rematch would not only mean pulling a game closer (or perhaps even ahead by that point), it would also give the Lions a season sweep and the head-to-head advantage in a possible tie-breaker.
There is still plenty of time before the Lions have to worry about the Vikings, however. For now, Monday night’s win restored confidence in the team and gives hope for what this season could produce. It’s up to the Lions to make it happen starting Sunday against the Cleveland Browns.
More Detroit Lions news from around FanSided
10 thoughts from week 9 win over Packers
Zack Caldwell | Detroit Jock City
Game balls for week 9 win at Green Bay Packers
Ash Thompson | Detroit Jock City
Detroit Lions, Matthew Stafford send Green Bay packing
Matt Bosko | Detroit Jock City
More Detroit Lions news from around the rest of the web
Yeah, the Detroit Lions can absolutely win the division
Kyle Meinke | MLive
Marvin Jones in midst of breakout receiving season Lions need
Michael Rothstein | ESPN
Stafford superb, lifts Lions to favorable spot
Bob Wojnowski | The Detroit News
Next: Most Underrated Detroit Lions in Team History
The “Same Old Lions” were nowhere to be found Monday night in Green Bay. Here’s to hoping they stay away on Sunday afternoon against the Browns.