Lions pull off thrilling overtime win over Rams behind breakout game from Jameson Williams

 

The first full Sunday of NFL action could only conclude one way – with overtime.

The Detroit Lions kicked off their season in style, securing a thrilling 26-20 victory over the Los Angeles Rams.

Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) celebrates his 52-yard touchdown reception with quarterback Jared Goff (16) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams in Detroit, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024.  (AP Photo/David Dermer)

Detroit received the ball first in overtime and never let Los Angeles touch it. Two running plays set the tone for the drive, starting with Khalif Raymond's first-down pickup on a jet sweep. David Montgomery then powered ahead for 21 yards, taking the Lions into Rams territory.

Jared Goff followed with a 10-yard pass to Jahmyr Gibbs, bringing the Lions closer to the end zone.

Montgomery carried the ball a few more times before breaking through for the game-winning touchdown, capping off a strong performance with 91 rushing yards. Gibbs contributed 40 rushing yards and a touchdown of his own.

Goff completed 18 of 28 passes for 217 yards, throwing one touchdown and one interception. The Lions took early control in the third quarter when Goff connected with Jameson Williams for a 52-yard touchdown, extending Detroit's lead to 17-3 with 10:29 left in the quarter.

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Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) can't hold onto a pass as Detroit Lions cornerback Carlton Davis III (23) defends during the first half of an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024.  (AP Photo/David Dermer)

It was at that moment the Rams needed to dig deep and get back into the game.

Stafford orchestrated an 11-play, 70-yard drive for the Rams, capped off by a Kyren Williams touchdown that trimmed the deficit to seven. Rams kicker Joshua Karty then added a 26-yard field goal, and Stafford connected with Cooper Kupp for a 9-yard touchdown to tie the game.

On the Lions’ final drive of regulation, Goff led Detroit into field-goal range, and Jake Bates nailed a 32-yard kick to make it 20-20, forcing overtime.

Williams had an impressive outing with five catches for 121 yards.

Stafford delivered a strong performance, particularly in the second half, finishing with 317 passing yards, a touchdown, and an interception. The Rams' offense suffered an early setback when Puka Nacua exited the game with a knee injury and did not return.

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws against the Detroit Lions during the first half of an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024.  (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

With Puka Nacua sidelined due to a knee injury, Cooper Kupp took on a larger role in the Rams' offense. Kupp was targeted 21 times, hauling in 14 catches for 110 yards and a touchdown, showcasing his reliability as Stafford’s go-to receiver throughout the game. His performance kept the Rams competitive, especially in key moments.

Tyler Johnson also made a solid contribution, catching five passes for 79 yards. His presence added some balance to the Rams' passing attack, but Kupp’s standout performance was the key to keeping Los Angeles in the game. Despite their efforts, the Rams ultimately fell short, but Kupp’s ability to step up in Nacua’s absence demonstrated his importance to the team’s offense. 

In the end, while Stafford and his receivers fought hard, Detroit’s late-game heroics sealed the win.

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