At Last, Lions!

Back when he still had functioning fingers, Bill Simmons, one of my favorite sports writers wrote a book called “Now I Can Die in Peace”. Simons wrote the book in 2004 after his beloved Red Sox won the club’s first World Series since 1918.

Today, my Detroit Lions won their first playoff game since 1992. I remember it dimly since at the time I didn’t realize it would be so long until I would see another.

As expected… None of it was exactly easy. My cardiologist was on standby. I watched alone because I wanted free reign to watch in a place where I could rage or celebrate without judgment. I sweated out the last drive by the Rams, fully expecting the worst before the Lions emerged with a 24-23 win in their first-ever playoff win at Ford Field.

THE DETROIT LIONS HAVE WON A PLAYOFF GAME pic.twitter.com/3BpcI1sn8d

— Detroit Lions Pro (@DetroitLionsPro) January 15, 2024

Matthew Stafford, the best quarterback in franchise history, returned leading his new team into battle against his old squad. Facing him was Jared Goff, who was traded from Stafford’s current team to the Lions. Both were at times brilliant.

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Stafford showcased his toughness – he injured his hand… he visited the medical tent… he winced after almost every throw and absorbed all kinds of punishment before 25-26, 367 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. He was sacked and knocked down, but he delivered in the clutch even after trailing 14-3 in the first quarter.

Goff dazzled in the first half and turned in a highly efficient performance, going 22-27 for 277 yards and a touchdown pass. It was just enough. I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop but it didn’t and, improbably, the Lions will host another home playoff game against the winner of the Tampa Bay/Philadelphia Wild Card game Monday.

Detroit Lions fans celebrating a playoff win pic.twitter.com/t7mTDrN6Ml

— NFL Memes (@NFL_Memes) January 15, 2024