By: Jeremy T. Ballreich
Well the kickoff of the Gridiron match up between The Atlanta Falcons and the Detroit Lions. Let’s just say it didn’t disappoint the home sell out crown that was so loud the Coach’s Cam on the sideline was shaking like an earthquake inside of Ford Field. The Lions seem to have that energy pulse within their veins today.
Offensively, both teams started out struggling to get going. As I said they should, Cam Sutton covered Drake London all day, and almost completely made him unusable in the passing game for Desmond Ridder. The 2nd Year signal caller was under duress and extreme pressure the entire game.
Bijan Robinson had flashes of his brilliance and power. But ended the game with 10 carries for 33 yards and 0 TDs. Tyson Allgeier had 7 carries for 12 yards and 0 TDs. Which meant it was all on the shoulders of Desmond Ridder to get it done.
Defensively, we saw the Lions do something I haven’t seen yet thos season. We were Stunting players all over the Dline and LBer room. And it showed. They had pressure all day, and I think the first 7 sack game since 2014 in Detroit. 2 by LBers Derrick Barnes, and rookie Jack Campbell, the other 4 were by Dlineman Alim McNeil, Bonito Jones, and 2 year phenom Aidan Hutchinson with 2 total sacks. The 2nd one getting the defensive trifecta of a sack, forced fumble, and recovered it himself late in the game. Held a top 10 rushing offense to a total of 44 yards on the ground. And a low of 139 yards through the air.
This score doesn’t reflect the excellent game I watched from the Motor City Lions. But exceptional play from our rookies. Sam LaPorta had his first career receiving TD. Jahmyr Gibbs broke out for 80 yards rushing with a 4.7 yards per carry. Brian Branch was the teams leading tackler with 11 solo tackles, 4 for a loss, and two passes defended. And of course the aforementioned Jack Campbell.
Lions took the Falcons to the woodshed despite not looking their greatest with pass or run protection with 2 starters out on the Oline.
Jared Goff continues his solid but not perfect QB play 22-33 66.7% 243 yards 1 TD passing, 1 rushing TD! Yes, they actually ran the RPO (Run Play Option) Wham play! 1 INT.
I’m not taking Aaron Glenn off of my hot seat. But I turned the burner down.
Final Score:
ATL 6
DET 20
Thanks For Reading!!!
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