The Detroit Lions narrowly avoided a historic collapse in their 2026 NFL season opener against the New Orleans Saints. The Lions appeared set for an easy victory, yet the Saints pushed the game to overtime. A dramatic touchdown from Juwan Johnson with 1:07 left in the fourth quarter played a key role.
The Saints attempted a stunning 21-point comeback. Kicker Daniel Carlson had a chance to win at the buzzer with a 62-yard field goal, but missed wide right, causing the first overtime of the season. During overtime, both teams added touchdowns. Amon-Ra St. Brown scored for Detroit, while Noah Fant responded for New Orleans.
New Orleans coach Kellen Moore opted to pursue victory with a two-point conversion instead of tying the game. After driving 80 yards, the Saints aimed to clinch the win. However, the Lions’ defense stood strong. The defense disrupted Tyler Shough’s pass intended for rookie Bryce Lance, sparking celebrations at Ford Field.
The Lions were relieved to avoid a record-breaking defeat. A loss from a 21-point lead would have marked the largest comeback allowed in franchise history. The Lions hold high expectations for success in the NFC North this season.
Despite the close game, the Lions saw standout performances. Jahmyr Gibbs showcased his talent, rushing for 156 yards and scoring twice. He also caught five passes for 30 yards, totaling 186 scrimmage yards over 34 touches. This performance underscores Gibbs’ reputation as a key offensive player.
For the Saints, quarterback Tyler Shough threw for 410 yards, completing 35 of 56 passes. He was intercepted twice. His primary receiver, Chris Olave, caught 10 passes for 182 yards. Still, the Lions will focus on improving defense as the season progresses.
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