The Detroit Lions wrapped up Week 8 of the NFL with a big win over the Las Vegas Raiders.
What should fans take away from this game? Here are three of the biggest reactions to it.
1. Detroit Lions Found Their Balance
The Detroit Lions have had momentum in both directions in the prior two weeks.
After beating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 6, many people thought they could be the best team in the NFC. It helped that the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers suffered their first losses that same week.
However, momentum quickly went the other way with an embarrassing blowout loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 7.
Last night’s game showed that the Lions are not that bad. They played a solid game but still have work to do if they want to be the best team in the NFC, considering they gave up a pick-six in this game.
Still, they should be considered a legitimate contender for the NFC title as they currently hold the two-seed.
2. Sam LaPorta Is the Real Deal
Sam LaPorta has had a fantastic rookie season for the Detroit Lions. Right now, it appears that they found their tight end of the future.
LaPorta had another touchdown reception in last night’s win. He has four this season.
On top of this, he has 434 receiving yards this season. LaPorta has established himself as a legitimate receiving threat for the Lions. He could even enter the mix for Offensive Rookie of the Year if he keeps this up.
3. Las Vegas Raiders Need to Trade Davante Adams
The Davante Adams saga with the Las Vegas Raiders has been hard to watch in 2023. Arguably, this is the most unstable quarterback situation he has ever had. Adams is used to playing with quarterbacks such as Aaron Rodgers and Derek Carr.
However, last night was arguably Adams’ worst game of the season. He had just one catch for 11 yards.
What is worse is that QB Jimmy Garoppolo tried to target him seven times. One of those times was a clear miss that could have been a long touchdown with some big receiving yards for Adams. More importantly, that could have gotten the Raiders back into the game.
Adams has openly expressed frustration with the Raiders’ offense this season. He even showed emotion, slamming his helmet on the sideline last night. On top of this, he talked about how he missed playing with Carr and openly stated that he would not have come to the Raiders if he was not there.
The main takeaway is that this new situation does not work out for the Raiders and Adams. Plus, they appear close to having their 2023 season fall apart.
Adams is in the prime of his career, and the Raiders appear to be going nowhere anytime soon. It may be best for both sides to go their separate ways with this upcoming trade deadline.
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