It may not have been the way Dan Campbell drew things up, but Detroit is coming back home from the West Coast with a win.
After running rampant in the first half with 177 yards and three scores on the ground, Detroit’s rushing attack was limited the rest of the way, putting up just 23 yards in the second half.
In the end, the Lions did just enough to come away with a 41-38 win, fueled by the foot of Riley Patterson, who hit from 41 yards as time expired at SoFi Stadium.
He almost didn’t get the chance, though. Facing a 3rd and 14 after the two-minute warning, Detroit needed a 12-yard Jared Goff-to-Amon-Ra St. Brown strike to even think about kicking a field goal.
But that apparently still wasn’t on Campbell’s mind, as he opted to go for it a fifth time in the game.
And it paid off as he found Sam LaPorta for six yards and a first down.
The Lions then milked the clock, ultimately getting Patterson in position to hit the game winner, lifting Detroit to 7-2 on the season.
Sunday's drama-filled game saw the Chargers score touchdowns on each of their last five drives. Only two drives in the second half didn't result in a touchdown -- a Lions punt to open things, and Patterson's game winner.
The Lions come back home for an NFC North showdown next Sunday, hosting the rival Chicago Bears.