Detroit Lions Prevail in Overtime, Defeat L.A. Rams 26-20 in Season Opener

 

David Montgomery Proves to Be the Detroit Lions' Closer

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell made it clear on Friday—David Montgomery is the team's go-to player when it comes to closing out games. Montgomery lived up to that expectation on Sunday, delivering a standout performance that helped secure a 26-20 overtime win against the Los Angeles Rams in the season opener at Ford Field.

Montgomery was crucial in the extra period, rushing for 45 of his 91 total yards on five carries in overtime. He set the tone with a 21-yard run on the second play of overtime, just after the Lions nearly lost a 17-3 second-half lead. However, they rallied with a game-tying field goal with 17 seconds left in regulation. Montgomery then powered through with runs of 9, 9, and 8 yards, before capping it off with a 1-yard touchdown plunge to seal the victory for Detroit.

David Montgomery may sometimes be overshadowed in a Lions offense full of playmakers, but he's a key reason the team sits at 1-0 after Week 1 of the 2024 season.

Here are three quick takeaways from the Lions' win over the Rams on Sunday Night Football.

The Detroit Lions emerged victorious in a thrilling overtime showdown against the Los Angeles Rams, securing a dramatic win with a clutch touchdown from David Montgomery. As the clock wound down, both teams battled hard, but it was Montgomery’s powerful run into the end zone that sealed the deal for the Lions.

Fans erupted as Detroit notched the overtime win, moving closer to playoff contention. Meanwhile, reactions poured in from players, coaches, and analysts, with many praising Montgomery's heroics and the Lions' resilience. The Rams, despite a strong performance, couldn't hold off the Lions' final push.