The Detroit Lions accomplished a historic thing on Sunday, winning their first divisional game in thirty years and securing the NFC North championship against the Minnesota Vikings. This victory marks a remarkable comeback, especially in light of the fact that the Lions struggled in quarterback Jared Goff’s first season with the team, finishing 3-13-1, just two years ago.

Goff has been a key player in the Lions’ comeback and has earned respect from many people, including quarterbacks on the other side of the ball. Kirk Cousins, the quarterback for Minnesota, took a moment after Detroit’s victory to honor Goff’s path to this accomplishment.

“Hey Jared, nice work, dude. Great job, and happy for you,” Cousins told Goff. How to get from 0–8 a few years ago to your current position. It’s amazing, really tough.

Goff, who was grateful for the praise, returned the favor by complimenting Cousins on his fortitude following an Achilles injury that ended the season.

Goff answered, “I don’t know if I really told you, but the way you spoke after the injury was inspirational.” About your response to the injury.

This conversation between Goff and Cousins demonstrates the respect that quarterbacks in the league have for one another, recognizing not only the physical skill but also the mental toughness needed to face the difficulties of playing professional football.

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Signing K Riley Patterson to the Browns

Riley Patterson, who was cut by the Lions once more, was able to clear waivers on Christmas Day. The young kicker has another job after making more than 88% of his field goal attempts this season.

The Browns, who were shorthanded in their Week 16 matchup for the most of it, added Patterson to their practice squad on Monday.

Dustin Hopkins could be questionable for the Browns’ Thursday night game after suffering a hamstring injury against the Texans.

After Cade York struggled in the preseason, the Browns traded for Hopkins, who has kicked in each of the team’s 15 games this year. After serving as Detroit’s kicker for 13 games this season, Patterson, a 24-year-old specialist, was fired by the Lions for the second time due to a persistent rivalry with Michael Badgley during practices. Prior to the 2022 season, Patterson was also waived by Detroit.

Following Jacksonville’s acquisition of Brandon McManus in May, Patterson rejoined the Lions through a trade that included a late-round pick exchange. He had spent the 2022 season with the Jaguars. During his second stint with the Lions, Patterson made 15 of 17 field goals and 35 of 37 extra points; however, it was clear in practice that Badgley, who finished the previous season as Detroit’s kicker, outperformed Patterson. In the last two games for the Lions, Badgley has kicked.

Despite missing 12 games, Hopkins, 33, re-signed with the Chargers last season.

He lost out to Cameron Dicker in training camp this summer for the position of kicker for the Bolts. Hopkins has made 33 of his NFL-high field goals with Cleveland, accounting for 91.7% of his total attempts. He’s doing 24 out of 26 PATs.

The former specialist from Washington and Los Angeles was placed on injured reserve last year after suffering a hamstring injury during the season. With the Browns getting closer to securing a third postseason appearance since reviving the team in 1999, it is important to keep an eye on this latest ailment. Depending on how Cleveland’s season plays out, the Browns placing Hopkins on injured reserve would keep him out of action for the remainder of the regular season and two postseason games. Because of Badgley’s excellent practice work, the Browns have some dependable insurance with this P-squad move.