Detroit’s defensive line accounted for four sacks – McNeill (1), Josh Paschal (1), Pat O’Connor (1) and James Houston (1) – while the Lions also hit Stroud seven times and recorded nine tackles for loss in a 26-23 victory. It was just the fourth game since at least 1994. A Detroit defense had at least nine tackles for loss, four sacks and two interceptions.

McNeill said after the game that the defensive line took their head coach’s challenge to heart.

“We did our best to step up and make that impact in the game,” he said. “Do what you have to do and make plays. There is no secret formula. I feel like in the first half there were some things that didn’t go our way. We played defensively, but some things didn’t happen.” Everything came together for us towards the end, it’s about how you finish and not how you start.”

It was a great game defensively and that front is about to get reinforcements. Veteran Za’Darius Smith is expected to make his Lions debut next week when Detroit hosts Jacksonville at Ford Field.