The Detroit Lions dropped their second straight game as they fell to the Atlanta Falcons 23-16 from Ford Field falling to 5-2 on the season.
Despite the 26-16 score the game really wasn’t that close as the Lions couldn’t get anything going on offense, had trouble on special teams and once again took way too many penalties at vital points in the game.
The Lions offensive line which was once very effective against the pass rush has been non-existent these past couple games. Lions QB Matthew Stafford was sacked three times today by a Falcons pass rush that has struggled for the most part this season.
In terms of the running game, Maurice Morris and Keiland Williams were decent filling in for the injured Jahvid Best combining for a total of 94 yards on 18 carries. Morris even got involved in the passing game similar to the way Best is utilized in screen attempts.
Overall though the Lions struggled to get the offense going throughout much the of the game.
Stafford ended up going 15-32 with 183 yards and 1 TD with no interceptions.
The biggest offensive play of the day for the Lions came when Matthew Stafford hit Calvin Johnson for a 57 yard TD reception. In typical Megatron fashion he was able to shake off Atlanta defenders as he trotted into the end zone.
The major concern though for the Lions came at the end of the game when the Lions were unable to convert on a fourth down play. Matthew Stafford was seen limping off the field with an apparent right leg injury. The injury came when Falcons linebacker Curtis Lofton landed on Stafford’s ankle causing him to tweak it. Detroit’s medical staff wrapped the ankle in the event that Detroit got the ball back.
WDIV and CBS Detroit reported after the game that Stafford would undergo an MRI Sunday night and that ACL/MCL damage is possible. Lions head coach Jim Schwartz later confirmed that the medical staff would take a look at Stafford’s ankle and knee.
Schwartz also wouldn’t comment on Stafford’s prognosis for next week in Denver.
“We’ll see where he’s at next week,” Schwartz offered.
Obviously this is frustrating for the Lions and their fans given the amount of time Stafford has missed due to injury.
The Majors Detroit Player of the Game: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez who now moves into second by himself for all-time receptions in the NFL with 1,503. He had four total receptions today for 52 yards. Still a very effective tight end late in his career.
The Majors Detroit Zero of the Game: The Lions’ offensive line did Stafford no favors today as he was consistently under pressure for the entire game. An honorable mention goes to the entire Lions team who took 10 penalties for 84 yards.
Looking Ahead: Next weekend the Lions take to the road to take on the Denver Broncos. In his first game as a starter this season Tim Tebow was 9 of 13 for 121 yards and 2 TDs in their OT victory over the Dolphins. Hopefully Matthew Stafford’s injury is minor enough that he can get back on the practice field this week and play next Sunday.
The Bottom Line: Just about everything that could go wrong did go wrong for the Lions today. The running game couldn’t generate enough movement on the ground, the special teams gave up big plays, the passing game struggled and the Lions took way too many penalties. To top it off Stafford’s health remains a huge question mark leading into next week not to mention the offensive lines ability to provide him with sufficient protection. All things that need to change if this team wants to be serious contenders for a playoff spot.
Ref: NFL.com, Mlive.com, AP (image)
