Looking Back At The Disappointing Start To The Detroit Lions 2018 Season.
First Quarter
The game started the best way possible for the Detroit Lions when safety Quandre Diggs intercepted Jets quarterback Sam Darnold on the first play, returning it 37 yards for a touchdown to put the Lions up by seven.
From that point on, the quarter was all Jets. Detroit’s offense only ran six plays in this quarter, netting negative two yards with an interception thrown by Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford. The Jets ran 15 plays and were able to score a six-yard Isaiah Crowell rushing touchdown, tying the game.
Score: Tied at 7
Second Quarter
New York started this quarter with a field goal drive, pulling ahead 10-7. Detroit answered with another Stafford interception on the ensuing drive, but luckily wide receiver Kenny Golladay was able to force a fumble on the interception which he recovered, so Detroit maintained possession of the ball. However, kicker Matt Prater would go on to miss a 56-yard field goal, giving the Jets great field position.
Later in the quarter, Darnold found receiver Robby Anderson wide open on a busted coverage from Lions safety Tavon Wilson resulting in a 41-yard touchdown pass.
The Lions offense finally showed signs of life thereafter, going on a 10 play 72-yard drive which ended in a short field goal right before halftime.
Score: 17-10, Jets
Third Quarter
The Lions looked fantastic to start this quarter, marching 75 yards in four plays, the fourth being a 24 yard Golden Tate touchdown from Stafford. After that, everything went the Jets way.
The Jets answered with their own 21-yard Quincy Enunwa reception from Darnold. Three plays later, Stafford threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown by linebacker Darron Lee. After failing to gain a first down on the ensuing possession, Detroit opted to punt on fourth down. Jets returner and former Lions Andre Roberts returned the kick 78 yards for a touchdown.
To answer this deficit of now 38-17, Stafford promptly threw his fourth interception of the game, setting up another Jets field goal.
The Lions offense finally got something going after that, marching 49 yards down the field. However, they stalled attempted a 44-yard field goal and saw it sail wide, Prater’s second miss of the game.
This set up Crowell’s second touchdown of the game, this time from 62 yards away with Lions defensive backs chasing him all the way down the field.
Score: 48- 17, Jets
Fourth Quarter
The only notable thing that happened in this quarter was backup Matt Cassel came in for Stafford only to throw the Lions fifth interception of the game. After that, both teams were content with running out the clock.
Score: 48-17, Jets Win
Key Stats
The Lions threw five interceptions
You can never expect to win a game when you throw five interceptions. Giving away the ball is the surest way to lose the game. This was the worst game we’ve seen Stafford play since at least 2015.
Detroit ran for just 39 yards at 2.6 yards per attempt
The lack of productivity from the Lions backfield was a mirror image of last season. The currently rank 32nd in the NFL in both team rushing yards and yards per carry. Rookie running back Kerryon Johnson, who seems to be extremely talented, rushed the ball just five times, an indictment against the Lions coaching staff.
The Jets ran for 169 yards at 4.7 yards per carry
On the opposite side of the field, the Jets could run the ball down the throat of the Lions defensive line and linebackers. There was seemingly nothing Detroit could do to stop a not particularly talented Jets offensive line and running back corps.
Sam Darnold completed 16 of 21 passes for 198 yards and 2 touchdowns
There is no excuse for letting a rookie quarterback complete 76% of his passes at 9.4 yards per attempt with two touchdowns in his first career start. Matt Patricia’s defense was thoroughly embarrassed by a rookie quarterback on Monday night.
Plays That Decided The Game
Robby Anderson’s 41 Yard Touchdown
https://streamable.com/3q35p
Matthew Stafford’s Pick Six
https://streamable.com/6mj1w
Andre Roberts’s Punt Return
https://streamable.com/ttp5a
Lions Player Of The Game
Kenny Golladay was seemingly the only Lions player who bothered to show up. He was Stafford’s top target and stood out the most of any player on offense, defense or special teams.
Golladay recorded a career-best seven receptions for 114 yards. He also made a tackle and forced a fumble which he recovered on one of Stafford’s interceptions. Golladay was the only Lions player who came to play and is so far the only player living up to his hype for 2018.
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