Detroit escaped with a 26-20 overtime victory over Los Angeles at Ford Field on September 8, 2024, in their 2024 season opener. David Montgomery powered in the game-winning 1-yard touchdown on the opening overtime possession. Matthew Stafford returned to face his former team and completed 34 of 49 passes for 317 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Cooper Kupp caught 14 passes for 110 yards and a score. The Rams secondary allowed 121 yards and a touchdown on five receptions to Jameson Williams. Detroit got 217 passing yards from Jared Goff.
Table of Contents
Quarterback Comparison
| Player | Team | Comp/Att | Yards | TD | INT | QBR | Rating | Sacks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matthew Stafford | LAR | 34/49 | 317 | 1 | 1 | 62.6 | 85.2 | 2 |
| Jared Goff | DET | 18/28 | 217 | 1 | 1 | 36.4 | 85.0 | 2 |
Stafford absorbed 12 quarterback hits from Detroit’s aggressive pass rush throughout his return to Ford Field. The veteran found Kupp on a go-ahead 9-yard touchdown with 4:30 remaining, but the Rams couldn’t hold that lead. His 317 yards extended a four-game streak of 300+ passing yards dating back to the previous season.
Goff connected with Williams on a 52-yard touchdown strike early in the third quarter that pushed Detroit ahead 17-3. That deep ball came on a double move route the Lions had practiced all week in preparation. His fourth-quarter interception to John Johnson nearly proved costly before Jake Bates forced overtime.
Ground Game Statistics
| Player | Team | Carries | Yards | Average | TD | Long |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| David Montgomery | DET | 17 | 91 | 5.4 | 1 | 21 |
| Jahmyr Gibbs | DET | 11 | 40 | 3.6 | 1 | 8 |
| Kyren Williams | LAR | 18 | 50 | 2.8 | 1 | 9 |
Montgomery dominated the overtime period with 38 rushing yards on the deciding drive alone. His 21-yard burst on the second play gave Detroit immediate momentum after winning the coin toss. The combination of power running between the tackles and decisive cuts to the outside kept Los Angeles’ defense off balance.
Detroit’s 163 total rushing yards compared to just 83 for Los Angeles made the difference. That 80-yard gap allowed the Lions to control possession for stretches of regulation. Gibbs scored on a 1-yard plunge right before halftime to give Detroit a 10-3 advantage.
The Rams’ running back battled through a crowded line for his 2-yard touchdown in the third quarter that cut Detroit’s lead to 17-10. Los Angeles averaged only 3.6 yards per carry as a team against a physical Detroit front seven.
Pass Catching Performance
| Player | Team | Targets | Receptions | Yards | Average | TD | Long |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cooper Kupp | LAR | 21 | 14 | 110 | 7.9 | 1 | 21 |
| Jameson Williams | DET | 9 | 5 | 121 | 24.2 | 1 | 52 |
| Tyler Johnson | LAR | 7 | 5 | 79 | 15.8 | 0 | 63 |
| Sam LaPorta | DET | 5 | 4 | 45 | 11.3 | 0 | 18 |
| Colby Parkinson | LAR | 5 | 4 | 47 | 11.8 | 0 | 20 |
Kupp’s 14 receptions tied his regular season career high, set during the 2021 campaign. He became Stafford’s primary option on third downs throughout the contest. Seven different drives featured completions to the veteran receiver, who consistently found soft spots in Detroit’s coverage.
Williams played 52 snaps, a career high for the third-year receiver. His 24.2 yards per catch average came from consistently winning deep. The 52-yard touchdown saw him fight through illegal contact from Tre’Davious White and still create separation downfield. Dan Campbell praised the double move route execution after the game.
Tyler Johnson stepped up after Puka Nacua exited with a knee injury. His 63-yard catch and run in the third quarter came on a short crossing route where he made Carlton Davis and Brian Branch miss at the line. That play set up a field goal attempt. Nacua caught four passes for 35 yards before departing and didn’t return.
Defensive Leaders
| Player | Team | Tackles | Solo | Sacks | TFL | QB Hits | PD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alex Anzalone | DET | 13 | 10 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Carlton Davis | DET | 10 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Quentin Lake | LAR | 10 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Christian Rozeboom | LAR | 9 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Terrion Arnold | DET | 8 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brian Branch | DET | 7 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
Anzalone finished with 13 tackles, including 10 solo stops. His three tackles for loss disrupted Los Angeles’ rhythm on multiple drives. The linebacker’s sideline-to-sideline speed showed up repeatedly on screen passes and outside runs.
Aidan Hutchinson sacked Stafford on the final play of regulation to force overtime. That critical play came on a speed rush around the right edge. The former Michigan star finished with four total quarterback hits and constant pressure. His 37.0% pass rush win rate led all edge defenders in Week 1 according to PFF data.
Jared Verse recorded six total pressures in his professional debut. The rookie became the fourth player in Rams history to record a sack in his first NFL game. His 33% pass rush win rate ranked tied for sixth among all pass rushers in the opening week. Byron Young added another sack for Los Angeles’ young edge rushing duo.
Brian Branch nearly intercepted Stafford twice and recorded three pass deflections. The second-year safety’s instincts were evident throughout, though the picks that could have changed momentum slipped through his hands.
Detroit’s constant pressure forced Stafford into quick decisions all night. The 12 hits he absorbed disrupted timing on third downs and created the red zone opportunities that ultimately decided the game.
Turnovers and Special Teams
Kerby Joseph intercepted Stafford in the end zone with 15 seconds remaining in the first half. The safety read a forced throw from the 8-yard line intended for Tyler Johnson and preserved Detroit’s 10-3 halftime lead. That swing prevented Los Angeles from tying or taking the lead before the break.
John Johnson picked off Goff at Detroit’s 20-yard line with 9:09 left in the fourth quarter. The veteran safety jumped a route over the middle intended for Amon-Ra St. Brown. Stafford capitalized five plays later with the go-ahead touchdown to Kupp.
| Team | Interceptions | Fumbles Lost | Total Turnovers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rams | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Lions | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Category | Rams | Lions |
|---|---|---|
| Field Goals | 2/2 (Long: 41) | 2/2 (Long: 32) |
| Extra Points | 2/2 | 2/2 |
| Punting Average | 47.0 (3 punts) | 57.5 (4 punts) |
Jake Bates converted a 32-yard field goal with 17 seconds remaining in regulation to force overtime. The undrafted rookie from Arkansas made his NFL debut count in the highest pressure situation possible. His first career field goal came earlier, a 25-yarder that tied the game at 3-3 in the second quarter.
Jack Fox averaged 57.5 yards on four punts, including a 67-yarder that pinned Los Angeles deep in its own territory. Joshua Karty made both field goal attempts for the Rams, connecting from 41 yards in the first quarter and 26 yards in the fourth.
Team Totals Breakdown
| Category | Rams | Lions |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 387 | 363 |
| First Downs | 26 | 21 |
| Third Down | 5/12 (41.7%) | 6/13 (46.2%) |
| Fourth Down | 1/2 | 1/1 |
| Time of Possession | 34:56 | 29:45 |
| Penalties | 6-50 | 6-56 |
Los Angeles outgained Detroit by 24 yards and controlled possession for five additional minutes. The Rams ran 74 offensive plays compared to 61 for the Lions. Those advantages typically translate to victories, but Detroit capitalized in crucial moments.
Third down efficiency separated the teams. Detroit found success when drives needed extending, while Los Angeles left multiple possessions stalled in scoring position.
Both teams committed six penalties for similar yardage. The Rams had a would-be touchdown by Jordan Whittington negated by offensive holding in the fourth quarter. Detroit drew two defensive pass interference calls on rookie Terrion Arnold.
The statistical breakdown shows Detroit’s efficiency on third downs proved decisive. Converting at 46.2% compared to Los Angeles’ 41.7% meant the Lions extended drives when they needed to, while the Rams left scoring chances on the field.
Critical Sequences
First Half Scoring
Joshua Karty’s 41-yard field goal gave Los Angeles an early 3-0 lead after a 13-play drive. Detroit responded with a methodical 15-play march that consumed 7:33 and ended with Bates’ tying kick.
Gibbs scored on a 1-yard run with 1:57 left in the second quarter for a 10-3 Detroit advantage. Officials initially ruled him short but reversed the call after review. Joseph’s end zone interception 15 seconds before halftime preserved that lead.
Third Quarter Momentum
Williams’ 52-yard touchdown at 10:29 of the third quarter extended Detroit’s lead to 17-3. The Rams answered with an 11-play, 70-yard drive spanning nearly seven minutes. Kyren Williams scored from 2 yards out, and the drive included a fourth and 3 conversion at Detroit’s 29.
Karty’s 26-yard field goal cut the deficit to 17-13 early in the fourth. Tyler Johnson’s 63-yard reception down the middle set up that kick.
Fourth Quarter Drama
Johnson’s interception of Goff at Detroit’s 20 gave the Rams possession with 9:09 remaining. Stafford needed just five plays to find Kupp for the go-ahead score, giving Los Angeles a 20-17 lead with 4:30 left.
Detroit marched 55 yards in nine plays to set up the tying field goal. An 18-yard completion to LaPorta combined with a personal foul penalty moved the Lions into range. Bates connected from 32 yards with 17 seconds showing.
Overtime Finish
Hutchinson’s sack ended the Rams’ final possession of regulation. Detroit won the overtime coin toss and needed eight plays to score. Kalif Raymond ran 12 yards on the first snap. Montgomery gained 21 yards on the next play. Gibbs added 10 more yards, putting Detroit inside the 20. Montgomery carried three more times, scoring from 1 yard out.
Injury Situations
Puka Nacua departed in the first half with a knee injury after catching four passes for 35 yards. The second-year receiver didn’t return. Sean McVay had no update on Nacua’s condition after the game.
Left tackle Joe Noteboom was carted off in the second quarter with an ankle injury. He started in place of Alaric Jackson, who was serving a two-game suspension. Left guard Steve Avila exited in the second half with a knee injury. Those losses forced Jonah Jackson to shift from center to left guard, with rookie Beaux Limmer taking over at center.
Defensive tackle D.J. Reader and safety Ifeatu Melifonwu were inactive for Detroit. Reader continues recovering from a torn quad suffered last season with Cincinnati.
Individual Standouts
Stafford’s four-game streak of 300-yard passing performances shows he remains effective at 36 years old. His ability to take hits and continue making throws stood out. The 12 quarterback hits absorbed would have knocked some passers out of rhythm, but Stafford kept finding receivers.
Williams played career-high snap counts and averaged over 24 yards per reception. The Alabama product’s speed created constant stress on Los Angeles’ secondary. His touchdown route featured precise footwork and hand placement to secure the catch despite contact.
Montgomery’s physical running style wore down the Rams defense. His 38 yards in overtime alone demonstrated his ability to take over when games matter most. The bruising back averaged 5.4 yards per carry against a defense built to stop the run.
Kupp ran 436 yards in pre-snap motion on 42 snaps. That ranks second among all players since 2018, according to Next Gen Stats. His constant movement creates coverage confusion. The 14 catches came from seven different drives, making him Stafford’s most reliable option.
Hutchinson’s 37.0% pass rush win rate validates his status as an elite edge rusher. The sack to end regulation showed his ability to win with speed and bend around the corner. His four hits on Stafford disrupted timing throughout.
Verse’s six pressures in his debut against one of the NFL’s best offensive line tandems in Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell drew attention from NFL analysts. The rookie’s technique and hand usage already appear NFL-ready.
Arnold played all 78 defensive snaps in his debut. The first-round pick drew two pass interference penalties but showed the aggression Detroit wants from its cornerbacks. The penalties came from being slightly early on otherwise well-covered routes.
Bates made all four kicks, including the pressure-packed game-tying attempt with 17 seconds left. His journey from UFL to NFL debut game-winner represents one of the season’s best debut performances.
Historical Context
This marked the second meeting between Stafford and his former team since the 2021 trade to Los Angeles. Detroit won the wild card playoff matchup in January 2024, 24-23, on a last-second field goal. Stafford threw for 367 yards in that defeat.
The veteran quarterback spent 12 seasons in Detroit from 2009 to 2020, becoming the franchise’s all-time passing leader with 45,109 yards and 282 touchdowns. The mixed reception from fans showed the complicated emotions surrounding his departure and Super Bowl LVI victory with Los Angeles.
Detroit returned nine offensive starters and eight defensive starters from the NFC Championship Game appearance. The Lions led San Francisco 24-7 at halftime of that contest before losing, creating motivation to finish close games in 2024.
Los Angeles entered following a playoff exit and the retirement of Aaron Donald. Questions about the pass rush received partial answers from Verse and Young’s debut performances. The offensive line injuries created immediate concerns moving forward.
What Comes Next
Detroit improved to 1-0 and hosted Tampa Bay in Week 2, a rematch of their divisional round playoff victory. The balanced offensive attack gives multiple ways to stress defenses. Montgomery and Gibbs provide power and speed in the backfield. Williams’ emergence as a deep threat opens intermediate routes for St. Brown and LaPorta.
Los Angeles stayed on the road for Week 2 at Arizona. The offensive line situation demanded immediate attention with three starters banged up. The young pass rush duo of Verse and Young showed promise in replacing Donald’s production.
Both teams demonstrated playoff-caliber football in different ways. Detroit’s physical rushing attack and defensive pressure create winning formulas. Los Angeles showed resilience battling back from 14 points down with multiple starters injured.
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This Week 1 showdown between the Rams and Lions produced everything fans hoped for. Montgomery’s overtime touchdown gave Detroit the victory in a game that showcased two NFC contenders.
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