On September 23, 2018, the Detroit Lions delivered a memorable and emotionally charged victory, defeating the New England Patriots 26–10 on Sunday Night Football. This game held deeper significance than just the scoreline. It was Matt Patricia’s first win as a head coach, and it came against his former mentor, Bill Belichick — a man with whom he had shared three Super Bowl championships in New England. Just three weeks into his tenure with Detroit, Patricia led his team to a commanding win over the NFL’s reigning dynasty, silencing doubters and energizing a fanbase hungry for a turnaround.
Matthew Stafford played with poise, throwing for 262 yards and two touchdowns, guiding the offense with confidence. But it was rookie running back Kerryon Johnson who made history, rushing for 101 yards and ending a 70-game drought without a 100-yard rusher — a major breakthrough for the Lions’ long-struggling ground game.
Defensively, the Lions were masterful. They held future Hall of Famer Tom Brady to just 133 yards passing, forced a rare interception, and limited the Patriots to only 209 total yards. Patricia’s defense looked disciplined and well-prepared, a testament to his deep understanding of New England’s system.
More than just a regular season win, this was a symbolic triumph. It marked a rare moment when the Lions looked like a complete football team, beating one of the NFL’s best on a national stage. For Patricia and the franchise, it was a much-needed sign of hope — and a night Detroit won’t forget.
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