the Lions Lose First Divisional Game at Minnesota

On Sunday, September 25, the Lions began divisional play in Minnesota against the Vikings. Coming off of their first win of the season against the Washington Commanders, they looked to score a key divisional victory on the road. Minnesota also entered the matchup boasting a one-and-one record, but they were coming off of a week two blowout at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles. The Lions entered the game as a +6.5-point underdog and +222 against the moneyline. Missing some key players, the Lions looked to take an early hold on the NFC North, and threw it away with a loss. A lot of bad decisions led to this loss, but nothing hurt the team more than aggressive calls and missed field goals.

With week three in the books, here are my takeaways from today’s game:

the Lions’ Offense Continues to Impress:

The Lions entered today’s game as the number two scoring offense in the NFL. Averaging over thirty-five points per game in each of the last two weeks, the high-powered Ben Johnson offense looked to continue that momentum. Ben Johnson was confident before the game, but unsatisfied with the Lions offense. He claimed there is more for them to do, saying, “But we’re not (the best offense in the league)—I don’t think anybody right now in that room is necessarily happy or pleased with what we’ve put on tape so far.”

Today, the Lions got off to a hot start, rolling down the field on a couple drives for touchdowns. Ben Johnson was completely out-coaching Ed Donatell at the beginning of this game. Up fourteen, early in the second, the Lions were spreading the ball around and getting aggressive, converting on multiple fourth-downs. In fact, the Lions were more successful on fourth down conversions than on thirds in this matchup. With D’Andre Swift nursing an upper body injury and an ankle injury, he was severely limited in use. Amon-Ra. St. Brown was also playing through a lower body injury, but still managed to produce. He had seventy-three yards on six catches.

As Brandon Gaudin said during the broadcast, “This Detroit offense really feels different this year.” The Lions then started to stall out again as they went away from the run-game and forced outside passes. The consistency returned later in the second half, but the scoring efficiency didn’t. Despite that the Lions scored twenty-four points and had 252 passing yards, with 139 rushing yards. They were led by a standout performance from Jamaal Williams in which he put up 87 yards and two touchdowns. Hopefully, they can continue this style of play throughout the year, but with some better clock management.

Jeff Okudah Locks Down Justin Jefferson:

Jeff Okudah has been a standout for the Lions to start the year, allowing only six catches for sixty yards in the first two weeks of the season. He locked up a star receiver, Terry McLaurin, for most of the game against the Commanders. This game, was a whole new level of challenge for Okduah though. Facing off against one of the best receivers in the league, Justin Jefferson, Okudah needed to step up in a major way for the Lions to win.

Luckily Okudah showed up in a big way for the Lions. Covering Jefferson for most of the game, he was great in man coverage and deep zones. Okudah also played a really clean game, with only one penalty given up. At the end of the day it was another quiet game for him, which is perfect for a corner. He held Jefferson to three catches for fourteen yards and zero touchdowns. Continuing this level of play could cement him as the Lions future CB1.

Rookies Continue to Roll:

Star rookies Aidan Hutchinson and Malcolm Rodriguez have gotten off to a great start for their rookie campaigns. Significantly bolstering the defense, both players have stepped up significantly to contribute to this defense. Rodriguez, lovingly referred to as Rodrigo by fan’s and teammates, has been one of the highest graded linebackers in the NFL to start the season, as well as being the highest graded rookie linebacker in week one. Today, he was solid, which is great in my eyes. He played better in zone coverage and didn’t allow much. Rodriguez continues to improve every game.

Hutchinson, who had a breakout performance against the Commanders with three sacks and six pressures, entered this game hobbled. Nursing a leg injury held him from a few days of practice, which showed today. He was a solid rushing presence, but didn’t really show up on the box score. Hopefully, with some more recovery time, he can get back to dominating off the edge.

Jared Goff Finds his Footing:

Jared Goff has been a question mark for the Lions all year. If he performs to the best of his ability, the Lions can go far, but if he struggles, the entire offense does too. Each week has been an improvement for Goff, with the Commanders game being a strong performance. Today, he was always in rhythm. The most impressive part of his performance was his pocket presence and poise. He has been a player with a tendency to get shaky under pressure, but today he was un-phased by it. Goff threw for 252 yards and one touchdown, with a 96.1 passer rating. He looks to be finding his footing in this offense, at the perfect time too.

What Does this Mean for the Lions and the NFC North Title Fight:

With a Lions loss in an NFC North showdown, the race for the divisional crown is underway. After a hard-fought performance, the Lions will drop in the divisional rankings. Looking to the future, the Lions still have a ways to go before the playoffs. They have five more divisional games, some in between some tough stretches. Getting as many wins as possible in their back-pocket before then will be extremely important for their playoff odds. The team as been trending in the right direction, and the results should keep coming, so keeping that momentum will be extremely important for this Lions team. The coaching staff needs to figure out how to better manage the clock if the Lions are really going to win games.

The Lions return to action Sunday, October 2, against the Seattle Seahawks. With the way the Lions have looked as of late, this should be an easier matchup.

For more of Sam’s work, check out the Forward Down the Field Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.