Sport

Lions vs Packers: Key Stats Highlight David Montgomery's Unstoppable Performance in the Rain

2024-11-05

Author: Jessica Wong

The Week 9 clash between the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers was a battle in adverse conditions, but the Lions showcased their prowess by executing a cleaner game on a rainy, windy day at Lambeau Field.

Let’s break down the key statistics that underline the Lions' impressive performance as they celebrated their third consecutive victory at this historic venue. These insights, powered by Pro Football Focus (PFF), provide a clear picture of what made the Lions shine in challenging weather.

Defensive Strength: 13.6% Run Defense Stop Rate

Jack Campbell, the Lions’ emerging star linebacker, turned heads with his exceptional performance. He ranked fifth among 56 qualifying linebackers with a run defense stop rate of 13.6%, cementing his status as a game-changer on defense.

Pass Rush Progress: 7 Quarterback Pressures

While the Lions’ pass rush continues to evolve, Alim McNeill is proving to be instrumental. Securing a significant contract extension this October, he racked up seven quarterback pressures against the Packers, placing him among the top interior defensive linemen for the week. This marks an encouraging development for head coach Dan Campbell's defensive strategy as they strive to bolster their pass rush.

Effective Pass Defense: 29% Forced Incompletion Rate

Despite the challenging weather, the Packers aired it out 39 times. The Lions' secondary demonstrated resilience, even with the early loss of safety Brian Branch, successfully forcing QB Jordan Love into difficult throws. Cornerback Carlton Davis shone with a 29% forced incompletion rate, ranking him fourth out of 73 qualifying cornerbacks.

Ground Game Dominance: 3.47 Yards After Contact Per Attempt

David Montgomery was pivotal in the Lions’ ground game, reminiscent of his explosive start last year against the Packers. This time, despite carrying the ball only 17 times, Montgomery managed an impressive 3.47 yards after contact per attempt. Moreover, his six first downs tied for third among running backs in Week 9, demonstrating his critical role in controlling the pace of the game.

Record-Ending Streak: 30 Catches in a Row for Amon-Ra St. Brown

One of the standout moments came from Amon-Ra St. Brown, who caught all seven of his targets for 56 yards and a touchdown. This performance extended his remarkable catch streak to 30 consecutive successful receptions from Jared Goff, an accomplishment with an estimated likelihood of merely 0.0001% based on throw difficulty. St. Brown's reliability continues to be a cornerstone of the Lions’ passing attack.

As the Lions advance toward the heart of the season, their ability to perform under pressure, adapt to formidable conditions, and deliver explosive plays positions them as strong contenders in the NFC. Football fans can look forward to seeing how this talented roster will exploit upcoming matchups and continue to build toward a playoff push.