The Detroit Lions maintained their hold of first place in the NFC North (and NFC in general) with their 24-14 win over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday afternoon. Jared Goff was automatic despite the pouring rain, completing 18 of 22 passes for 145 yards and a touchdown (109.3 passer rating). Detroit’s two-headed monster at running back, David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, torched Green Bay’s defense for 138 yards on the ground (Montgomery had 73 rushing yards and Gibbs had 65 and a touchdown).
Related: “It’s Really Annoying;” Green Bay Packers Head Coach Slams Media for Jordan Love Question
Defensively, the Lions kept Jordan Love and the Packers offense in check and out of the end zone until the fourth quarter. Cornerback Kerby Joseph returned Love’s NFL-leading 10th interception for a touchdown near the end of the first half, too.
But there were a couple of defensive plays that had many fans accusing Detroit of playing dirty.
The Detroit Lions Were Accused of Trying to Injure Green Bay Packers Quarterback Jordan Love
Early in the first half, the Packers were driving down the field, but had a long third down that they needed to pick up. Love threw a pass intended for Bo Melton on the sideline that fell incomplete. However, Lions safety Brian Branch lowered his head and hit Melton’s helmet.
Refs EJECT Lions star safety Brian Branch off of this play…
HORRIBLE call in a HUGE game…#DETvsGB
— KLSFootball (@klsfootball) November 3, 2024
Branch was flagged on the play and then ejected after the referees conferred with officials in New York. The star safety threw up the double middle finger salute on his way off the field, a decision that will likely add a few thousand dollars to the fine he is about to receive.
On the same play, though, Detroit lineman James Houston appeared to try twisting Love’s leg, which led to further outrage on social media:
Everyone talking Branch. Did anyone see James Houston clearly trying to injure Jordan Love? pic.twitter.com/m98QDb1OQW
— Extend Pat Beverley (@ExtendPatBev) November 3, 2024
Fans, especially Packers fans, were disturbed by Houston apparently trying to twist Love’s leg:
Lions always been dirty
— Dylan Genschaw (@dylangenschaw) November 3, 2024
Detroit gonna Detroit…. #DetroitDirtbags
— ☕️ The Original RanMan 🎙️ (@RanMan71) November 3, 2024
Campbell was a saint for bounty gate so it’s not the most surprising thing tbh.
— Bryce (@Bryce123317) November 4, 2024
Seems like they have become the dirtiest team the NFL!
— David Wagner (@DavidWa49640489) November 4, 2024
Lions are cheap shot artist. Fine the player and the coach
— Greg, but spooky (@Gregair13) November 4, 2024
Love injured his groin in Green Bay’s Week Eight win over the Jacksonville Jaguars and was unable to finish the game. He also missed two games earlier in the season with a sprained MCL.
Houston was not flagged on the play, but the NFL could decide to fine him later this week if they feel like it was a dirty play.
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