Matthew Stafford threw for 385 yards and 2 touchdowns while Joique Bell had 132 all purpose yards and a touchdown as the Lions held on to beat the Washington Redskins 27-20. And not only did the Lions avoid another fourth quarter meltdown Detroit managed their first win in DC ever which was hopefully their first step in shedding the SOL label.
The Detroit Lions defeat the Washington Redskins 27-20 to move their record to 1-21 all time in DC.
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) September 22, 2013
And although the SOL label seemed well intact after an early pick six thrown by Matthew Stafford to DeAngelo Hall, these Detroit Lions were able to come up some key plays at opportune times against an extremely vulnerable Redskins defense.
The Lions were able to take a 17-14 halftime after a Joique Bell touchdown run who filled in nicely for an injured Reggie Bush and a Joseph Fauria touchdown reception. After a quiet third quarter which only mustered a Washington field goal Detroit was able to capitalize on a key fourth and short deep in Redskins territory which Stafford was able to convert on a quarterback sneak with some help from a push by Bell in the backfield. The Lions’ persistence in the red zone eventually paid off on the drive when Stafford found Calvin Johnson for an 11-yard touchdown giving the Lions a 10-point lead with just four minutes to play.
After a Redskins field goal and failed onside kick Washington had one last chance at the end zone however RG3’s hail mary was swiped down as Detroit escaped DC with a 2-1 record.
Top Story Lines
- All the news wasn’t good for the Lions at the end of the game as the team learned that DT Jason Jones would be lost for the season with a ruptured left patella tendon.
- The Lions finally were able to enjoy the dreaded Calvin Johnson rule in their favor when Aldrick Robinson’s touchdown catch was overturned when he didn’t complete the process of the catch in the end zone.
- Robert Griffin III had another tough with two turnovers. One coming via interception and the other on a head-first slide in which the ball popped out resulting in a Lions recovery. Although he did rack up some yardage through the air (32/50 for 326 yards) Detroit was able to do just enough to limit him to zero touchdowns and just 37 rushing yards.
- Nate Burleson and Calvin Johnson both over 100 yards receiving. Burleson had a total of 6 receptions for 116 yards while Megatron had 7 receptions for 115 yards and a big touchdown late in the 4th.
- Speaking of Johnson’s touchdown reception came with triple coverage and a nicely threaded pass from Stafford.