Kenny Golladay looks like a star in Lions' weird win over Packers and other quick observations

DETROIT -- It wasn't easy, because the Packers rarely are. It wasn't pretty, because the Lions rarely are.

But it's a win all the same, and Detroit has kept its season alive with a weird 31-23 victory on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field.

Why was it weird? Try this on for size: The Lions were outgained 200-160 in the first half, and were being outgained by more than 100 yards at one point in the third quarter -- while building a 24-0 lead.

How about this: Green Bay didn't punt in the first half, while scoring no points.

Or this: Mason Crosby missed four field goals and an extra point. Kind of a big deal in an eight-point loss.

Detroit didn't always play great, with its offensive line committing a pair of penalties that scrubbed long gains -- one a touchdown by Kenny Golladay. It lost Kerryon Johnson, Jamal Agnew and Darius Slay (who later returned) to injuries. Its defense struggled to get off the field, allowing 30 first downs and 521 yards, both roughly double what Detroit's offense managed.

But give the Lions credit, because they jumped all over those miscues, including outstanding field position because of the missed field goals and a muffed punt. They also stripped Aaron Rodgers twice, one of which led directly to a touchdown at the end of the first half.

That gave the Lions a 24-0 cushion heading into a second half where Green Bay played much better and made things interesting. But it wasn't enough, as Marvin Jones covered the ball on an onside kick with 1 second left to seal the victory.

The Lions improve to 2-3 heading into the bye, just a half-game behind the Packers (2-2-1). Minnesota plays later Sunday, and first-place Chicago is off until next week.

Detroit hasn't been great, but they ain't out of it yet either. Here are some observations:

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