Detroit Lions: Four Quick Takeaways from the win over Green Bay

Matthew Stafford came up big

The stat line isn’t gaudy. 24-for-38 for 242 yards, with 2 TDs and one INT. That’s not a bad day at the office, but not one typically strong enough to best Aaron Rodgers.

It was on this Sunday.

Nov 15, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) reacts after throwing a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. The Lions beat the Packers 18-16. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

The biggest play, one which should silence those who think the Lions are better off without Stafford going forward, was a third down conversion with just over five minutes left on the clock and the score 12-10 Detroit. Rolling to his right and facing tremendous pressure, Stafford fired a sidearm bullet to a wide open Calvin Johnson down the field. It kept the drive alive and ultimately led to what would prove the game-winning touchdown. That play was a great play-action sell by both Stafford and Joique Bell to set up Lance Moore on the slant.

Sure, he had some misses. The shaky offensive line put him under near-constant duress. The INT was awful. But this is the kind of win Matthew Stafford desperately needed. He not only beat a winning team on the road for the first time ever, he beat Green Freaking Bay. There was no question he was the better QB in Lambeau Field, better for a day than mighty Aaron Rodgers.