The Lions bounced back with a dominating win over the Broncos

Having lost two of their last three games, the Detroit Lions come looking to get back on track to not only clinch a playoff spot but also win the NFC North division.

As good as the Lions have been this season, the defense has been a major concern. Even in some of their wins, they allowed teams to score at least 20 points. Since week 7, the Lions’ defense has struggled in the red zone, giving up 19 touchdowns. They have also had a ton of players miss time due to injury as well. The offense has also hit a rough patch, turning the ball over six times in the last three games.

The Denver Broncos, coming off a win against the Los Angeles Chargers, look to extend their winning streak as they continue to be in the AFC playoff hunt.

After starting the season 1-5 including a 50-point loss to the Miami Dolphins, the Broncos have turned their season around and are currently in the AFC playoff hunt. They have won six of their last seven games, including a dominating win against the reigning champions Kansas City Chiefs, and sit just a game behind them in the AFC West.

Game Recap

One of the reasons the Broncos have been able to win games is because the defense has forced a ton of takeaways. Another reason is the Broncos were usually the first team to score. That was the complete opposite against the Lions.

Not only did the Lions take care of the ball, but they scored first after punting the ball on three straight possessions. The defense also forced a fumble on the Broncos’ first possession of the game.

After punting the ball on their first three possessions, the Lions scored a touchdown on their next five possessions. In the first half, they scored 21 points and held the Broncos scoreless. They also kept them from running the ball, which the Broncos are known to do very well. Denver was held to just 75 total yards and four first downs in the first half. They also gave up three touchdowns in the first half after allowing just four in their last seven games.

In the second half, the Broncos finally got on the board with a touchdown. That was the first time they’ve scored on an opening drive in the second half all season. The Lions came right back and scored another touchdown thanks to a 34-yard run by rookie Jahmyr Gibbs to put them back in the red zone. The Broncos got back in the red zone on their next possession but had to settle for a field goal.

Denver was able to score another touchdown to cut into Detroit’s lead, but they could never get back in the game. Detroit scored 42 points, which is the first time since Week 5 that Denver has given up more than 24 points. Denver just 17 points, which is the first time since Week 8 that the Lions held the opposing team to under 20 points. This was also the Lions’ first double-digit win since Week 8.

Jared Goff finished with 24 completions out of 34 attempts for 278 yards and 5 touchdowns. This was the first time since 2018 he had five touchdowns in a single game. He is the second quarterback this season to have five touchdowns in a game, joining C.J. Stroud.

Amon-Ra St. Brown finished with 7 receptions for 112 yards and 1 touchdown. He joined Odell Beckham Jr. and Michael Thomas as the only three players in NFL history to record 90 receptions in their first three career seasons.

Detroit Rookies

One of the biggest stories has been the rookies on the Detroit Lions: tight end Sam LaPorta and running back Jahmyr Gibbs. They combined for five touchdowns in the game. Jared Goff was asked about the rookies in the postgame conference, and he said, “They are two of the best rookies I’ve ever been around.”

LaPorta finished the game with five receptions for 56 yards and three touchdowns. He is now the only rookie tight end in NFL history to have at least 70 receptions, 700 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns in a season. He is also the first rookie tight end with 50+ receiving yards and three touchdowns in a game since Rob Gronkowski in 2010.

Gibbs finished the game with 11 carries for 100 yards and two touchdowns (one rushing and one receiving). The touchdown was his first career receiving touchdown. He has broken out as one of the best young running backs in the league, and he is not doing it all alone. He is the first running back for Detroit to have 90 scrimmage yards, one rushing touchdown, and a receiving touchdown in a game since Jahvid Best in 2010.

What’s Next?

The Lions have 10 wins for the first time since 2014. They are now just one win away from clinching a playoff spot. They will need the Seattle Seahawks to lose to the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday. They can also win the NFC North if they beat their division rivals Minnesota Vikings next week.

The Broncos fall to the 11 seed in the AFC and will need to win all three of their remaining games to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Photos Courtesy: Junfu Han – Detroit Free Press