The Lions traveled to Arizona to take on the Cardinals in a game between one of the worst offenses and the worst defense in the league, where the Lions came out on top 45-21.
The Detroit Lions and Arizona Cardinals played in a game Sunday where it was the definition of a stoppable force versus a movable object. The Lions defense had been the worst in the league up until this point, and the Cardinals offense ranked 20th or lower in most important offensive statistics. In a game between two struggling units, it was the Lions defense that stood strong and found its footing in a dominant win over the Arizona Cardinals. After a few concerning drives in the first quarter, the defense tightened up, the offense loosened up, and the Lions earned some much-needed momentum and a big win, 45-21, over the Cardinals.
The Lions got off to a rocky start in the first quarter as the team took the ball to start the game, was forced to punt after a Cardinals sack ended the drive, and allowed an opening-drive touchdown for Arizona. The Lions offense started the game with three three-and-outs, totaling negative nine total yards of offense in the first quarter alone. It was a rough and frustrating first few possessions as the offensive line was struggling; they let up two early sacks, and Goff was under pressure from the Cardinals defense.
Once the second quarter started, it was smooth sailing for the Lions offense the rest of the game. Credit to the defense for holding the Cardinals when the offense was struggling to get going. The secondary played a lot better, as Roger McCreary was a big standout, having multiple plays with some really tight coverage and not letting up much at all to the Cardinals receivers. The defense had five sacks on Jacoby Brissett as they continued to look dominant. The front four has been a strength of the team this year, and in this game, they finally had the secondary playing well enough to complement them. D.J. Wonnum led the team with two sacks.
The Detroit Lions scored on seven straight possessions after the first quarter, including 24 second-quarter points, to take command against the Arizona Cardinals. Jahmyr Gibbs led the way once again, tallying up 207 total yards and two touchdowns: 151 yards on the ground and 56 through the air. Gibbs averaged six yards per carry and looked terrific once the offensive line started opening up lanes for him in the second quarter. Gibbs was also good at picking up some blocks in the game. He and Vaki both had some key moments picking up blocks to prevent pressures and keep Goff upright.
Speaking of Goff, it was another good day for him, and Sam LaPorta fed off of him especially well today. Goff threw for 271 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions and a passer rating of 125.8. He even had a rushing touchdown on the goal line. Goff continues to play like an MVP candidate, and the defense finally had his back today to ensure they were not sweating out this game. LaPorta ended up leading the team in receiving yards with 88 yards and one touchdown. Jameson Williams tacked on two touchdown receptions. Sam LaPorta seems like he has earned a potential future contract extension with Detroit based on his performance today.
Everything came together for Detroit today in a complete victory over the Arizona Cardinals. The defense limited big plays, they stopped the run, coverages were better, and the offense scored on seven straight possessions after three three-and-outs. If only the Lions can eliminate the slow starts and get going out of the gates, they would be even better. Detroit is feeling good heading into the bye week before they welcome the Green Bay Packers into Ford Field in two weeks.
