**DETROIT** — The Detroit Lions kicked off their season with a hard-fought victory over the Los Angeles Rams, showcasing a balanced offensive attack that combined effective ground game with key aerial plays, reminiscent of their NFC wild-card matchup.
David Montgomery's 1-yard touchdown run in overtime secured a 26-20 triumph against the Rams, led by Matthew Stafford, on Sunday night.
“Early in the season, many games hinge on who makes fewer mistakes,” stated Lions coach Dan Campbell. “We made one less than they did.”
Despite losing a two-touchdown advantage in the third quarter, the Lions managed to tie the game with Jake Bates' 32-yard field goal in the final minute of regulation.
Winning the coin toss, Detroit capitalized on their possession, gaining at least 9 yards on their first four plays in overtime, setting the stage for Montgomery's decisive score.
The Rams had a chance to derail Detroit's season opener when Stafford connected with Cooper Kupp for a 9-yard touchdown pass with 4:30 remaining in the fourth quarter, but ultimately fell short in making crucial plays.
Los Angeles battled valiantly, even after losing Pro Bowl receiver Puka Nacua and two linemen from their already depleted offensive line.
“I’m really proud of this group,” Rams coach Sean McVay remarked. "We had numerous players step up after injuries."
The Lions initially held a 17-3 lead in the third quarter, following a 52-yard touchdown pass from Jared Goff to Jameson Williams.
“We practiced that double move all week, and he executed it perfectly,” Goff noted.
However, Detroit's lead diminished as Stafford effectively maneuvered against their defense, and Goff threw an interception early in the fourth quarter.
John Johnson picked off Goff’s pass at the Rams' 20-yard line, thwarting a potential field goal attempt that could have restored a seven-point lead.
Stafford capitalized on this opportunity, orchestrating a 10-play, 80-yard drive culminating in the touchdown pass to Kupp. Late in the fourth, however, he struggled to maintain possession, resulting in a punt that gave Goff another chance from his own 31 with 2:11 left.
“I had a chance to win it,” Stafford reflected. “Every game has plays you wish you could have back.”
The Lions reached the Rams' 14-yard line but settled for Bates’ field goal, sending the game into overtime.
McVay defended his decision-making in the second quarter, opting to go for it instead of attempting a 40-yard field goal while the game was tied at 3. The gamble backfired when Stafford's pass intended for Kupp fell incomplete.
“We came here to be aggressive, and I wouldn’t change that decision,” McVay asserted.
Stafford completed 34 of 49 passes for 317 yards, with a touchdown and an interception. He took several hits but continued to make plays despite the pressure.
“Give Matt Stafford credit; he played exceptionally well despite the hits,” Campbell praised.
Kupp matched his career high with 14 receptions, accumulating 110 yards. Goff finished 18 of 28 for 217 yards, with one touchdown and an interception. Williams tied his career high with five catches, notching a personal best of 121 yards.
“I’m proud of him,” Campbell said. “He has room to grow, but he made some significant plays.”
Montgomery carried the ball 17 times for 91 yards, while Jahmyr Gibbs added 40 yards on 11 carries, with both running backs scoring touchdowns.
**Injuries**
**Rams:** Nacua (knee) was injured in the first half after making four catches for 35 yards and did not return. LT Joe Noteboom (ankle) was carted off in the second quarter, and LG Steve Avila (knee) also went down later.
McVay did not provide updates on the injured players post-game.
**Lions:** DT D.J. Reader (leg) and S Ifeatu Melifonwu (ankle) were inactive.
**Up Next**
**Rams:** They will remain on the road to face Arizona next Sunday.
**Lions:** They will host Tampa Bay next Sunday in a rematch of their divisional playoff game, which Detroit won 31-23.
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