By Ron Johnson
FINAL: Lions 24 – Rams 23
This would be a normal column if the refs wouldn’t so insulted by the fact that they did what they did in Detroit. After Dallas failed to get it done when it mattered, they chose to give Detroit their just due by giving the Rams the shaft after countless no-call penalties in the final stretch of the NFC Wild Card Game between the Lions and Rams, it is clear that nothing is guaranteed in the postseason.
The Rams failed to convert on a crucial third down as the Lions held on to defeat the Rams 24-23 to advance to a showdown and another home game in the divisional round. Matthew Stafford finished with 367 yards on 25 of 36 passes and a pair of touchdowns, while Jared Goff finished with 277 yards on 22 of 27 passes and a touchdown. The ground game did not produce its massive numbers of either as Kyren Williams finished with 61 yards on 13 carries, and David Montgomery finished with 57 yards on 14 carries and a touchdown.
Despite the history of both, neither Stafford nor Goff threw an interception in this game.
Future Offensive Rookie of the Year Puka Nacua stole the show as he produced 181 yards on nine catches and a touchdown, but Amon-Ra St. Brown proved to be the difference as he produced 110 yards on seven catches.
Both defenses stepped up big in this game which became the difference maker for this game. Ernest Jones filled the void that was left by double blockage from Aaron Donald as he accumulated two sacks to go with Michael Hoecht and Kobie Turner’s. The Lions Aidan Hutchinson did what he has done best in every game as he was able to drop Stafford twice in this game.
As much as people want to throw in my face about the fact that the Rams lost tonight, they need to understand one simple thing: The Lions won by one point against a team that was not supposed to be there. If this is what the Lions are going to be in the postseason, I would not expect much. Between the fanbase being turncoats, and the fact that the refs wanted to make up for their screw-up a few weeks ago, Detroit should not think that they won this game.
But that comes at another time (Tuesday) and another place (No Filter Network) because the fact is this: Detroit just made a new enemy, and if that means that Eminem is going to include me in his next diss track, it was worth it. And zero chill is given.
Detroit should give these refs a paid vacation for this BS…and prepare for a massive loss.
