close
close

first Drop

Com TW NOw News 2024

Attack scores in clutch after sloppy second half
news

Attack scores in clutch after sloppy second half

The Detroit Lions’ long-awaited season opener appeared to end in disappointment.

Still, the determination that coach Dan Campbell had established as a trademark during his tenure shone through once again as the Lions rallied from the depths to ultimately win. Detroit scored the final nine points of the game to turn a 20-17 deficit into a 26-20 overtime victory.

Below are the numbers for each position group, based on performances in Sunday’s game.

Quarterback: C+

Jared Goff had his moments during Sunday’s game, but he made several mistakes that nearly cost the Lions dearly. He threw an interception in the red zone that set up the Rams’ go-ahead score, and then nearly threw another one on the ensuing drive.

He almost had another on the tying drive, but Amon-Ra St. Brown got just enough of the ball to knock it away from the defender. Other than that particular play, Goff was solid on the final drive of regulation.

The offense sputtered throughout the second half as Goff struggled to find a rhythm. He did have a touchdown strike to Jameson Williams, throwing the deep ball on third down after Williams beat Tre’Davious White on a double move.

Goff finished the night 18-for-28 for 217 yards, one touchdown, and an interception. It was a mixed performance, but to his credit, he delivered a performance in the final series of regulation that ultimately secured the win.

Running back: A-

The Lions’ run game struggled early on, but certainly picked up steam later on, leading the team to victory. David Montgomery was the headliner, rushing 17 times for 91 yards in the win.

He carried the ball five times for 45 yards in overtime, including the game-winning 1-yard score. He also had a 21-yard dash on his first run to break the game open. Dan Campbell praised his strength after the game, and it was on full display late in Sunday’s game.

While Jahmyr Gibbs didn’t have many flashy plays, he did provide a glimpse of what his role will be. In addition to 11 carries, he was also targeted six times in the passing game and had four receptions for 40 yards.

Gibbs had another chance to score the winning goal during regulation time, but he slipped on the grass during his route and the ball fell incompletely into the field.

While the running game performance left something to be desired in some areas, many were reminded why the team was built physically.

Wide Receiver: B

With the Los Angeles Rams holding off Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams had the best game of his young career on Sunday. It was a thrilling performance from the Alabama product, who did a little bit of everything.

Williams caught a crossing route for a big gain, took an end-around and then caught a 52-yard touchdown pass from Goff in the third quarter. He hit Tre’Davious White on a double move and the corner was so fooled that his only option was to try to wrap up the receiver and draw a penalty.

As for St. Brown, the Rams did a good job of blocking him, limiting him to just three catches for 13 yards. That didn’t stop him from contributing as a run blocker, though. St. Brown and Williams were the only two wide receivers targeted Sunday, though Kalif Raymond did get an end-around to start overtime.

Tight end: B

Sam LaPorta had a quiet night, and the Rams were clearly determined to chip away at the center field. However, as the game wore on, he still proved to be one of Goff’s most reliable targets.

Ultimately, LaPorta finished with five catches for 45 yards. He was open in the end zone on Detroit’s first scoring drive, but Goff shot slightly too high and couldn’t catch him. The Iowa product also had several key blocks in the run game, including one on a Montgomery fourth-down conversion.

Offensive Line: B+

The Lions offensive line was expected to have the upper hand in this matchup following the retirement of Aaron Donald. However, Florida State’s young defensive line proved to be much more capable than initially thought.

The Rams got Goff on the first series, when Byron Young got Jared Goff by beating Kevin Zeitler. Jared Verse also got Goff before halftime when he got past Taylor Decker. They also did a good job of limiting the Lions’ run game early.

The Lions, however, dominated the final stretch of the game. The overtime was dominated by the Lions’ run game, which was simply difficult to stop during the eight-play scoring drive. There were multiple pre-snap penalties that kept this score from being an A, but the Lions ultimately got 131 combined rushing yards from their top two options.

Defense Line: B+

With the Rams battling multiple injuries up front, the Lions made it very difficult for Matthew Stafford. Aidan Hutchinson had a great game, with several pressure points and his first sack of the season, and narrowly missed another one. The Michigan product hit the former Lion four times.

Hutchinson eventually worked against practice squad call-up AJ Acuri after an injury to Joe Noteboom. On the other hand, Marcus Davenport proved to be a solid duo with the third-year rusher.

Davenport and Levi Onwuzurike combined for a sack in the first quarter. Detroit pressured Stafford all game, but the Rams’ series of quick throws made it difficult for them to get to him.

Linebackers: A-

Alex Anzalone set the tone for the game with his physicality, as he made two tackles for loss within the first three plays. It was a strong night for him, as he finished with 13 total tackles, including three for loss.

Jack Campbell and Derrick Barnes certainly helped, with seven and four tackles, respectively. Malcolm Rodriguez also saw a lot of snaps and had three stops while playing in certain packages.

Secondary: C+

The Lions’ brand-new secondary made its debut together Sunday night, as Carlton Davis and Terrion Arnold got the expected starts. Arnold finished his NFL debut with eight tackles, but was assessed two pass interference penalties in the end zone for excessive use of his hands.

Arnold was seen as a skillful player in college and promised to correct his mistakes. Davis, meanwhile, dropped a game-changing interception late in the fourth quarter.

Brian Branch also had several missed opportunities, including a step in the right direction while jumping an out route and dropping another potential pick. However, the Lions were able to intercept Stafford once when Kerby Joseph caught an interception in the end zone.

Cooper Kupp had an exceptional performance with 14 catches for 110 yards and a touchdown. However, much of his early production came in the short game as the Lions’ man coverage was defeated on short routes. This is another area that needs improvement after an otherwise solid performance.

Special teams: A

It was a perfect debut for Jake Bates, who connected on both field goal attempts, including the game-tying one from 32 yards. It was an encouraging sign for the kicker who certainly had his ups and downs in training camp.

Bates also made a nice squib kick inside the 20 on the kickoff, which was the only kick the Lions had to cover.

Jack Fox proved to be a weapon in Sunday’s game, averaging 47.5 yards. His four punts averaged 57.5 yards, but two ended up in the end zone. One had the perfect amount of backspin, but Ennis Rakestraw couldn’t contain him as he slid the ball downfield.

Coaching: B

It wasn’t the most perfect performance for the Lions in Week 1, but there was plenty to like. The offense showed some creativity, with Williams’ double-move coming at a good time and multiple end-arounds keeping the defense off balance as well.

There is a sense that the Lions have a lot more to show on offense, still. Finding a reliable third receiver will likely help the output immensely, especially with opponents so committed to stopping St. Brown.

Defensively, the pass rush certainly appears to have improved, though it has been working against a patchwork Rams offensive line. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn’s man coverage certainly had its issues, but the personnel has improved and can come up with plays at the right times.

As for Campbell, the Lions ultimately made the right decision to punt on fourth-and-5 with 4:10 left in the game. The defense was able to come through with a stop and the offense responded with the tying kick.

Ultimately, it was a less than perfect effort. In previous years, effort has been the cause of the Lions’ downfall. However, this is one of the best rosters in football and the team consistently made plays when needed to start the year 1-0.