By: Jeremy T. Ballreich
Sunday afternoon, at one o’clock EST. The Detroit Lions devastated any chances of a win by halftime of the game. The Titans had the ball for all of two minutes, before Levi Onwuzurike got into QB Mason Rudolph’s face with a pressure. Which forces him to throw the ball to 2nd year LBer Trevor Nowaske. His third game, his third game changing play. Next, there was a Lions Touchdown.
The first quarter summed up all the scoring by the Titans offense which 14 points. The Lions would take the lead and never relinquish it. It was 14 to 35 at halftime!
Calvin Ridley had an admirable first quarter, racking up 100 yards in seemingly nothing flat. The Titans were able to navigate through the 20 yardlines, at times with ease. But these Detroit Lions force a total of four turnovers. Two by interceptions (the second was by third year FS Kerby Joseph). Two by forcing fumbles.
As I eluded to, the defense struggled at first. But once again manufactured pressure. The lone sack was by Journeyman Alex Anzalone. But Al-Quadin Muhammed (newly acquired defensive end) lead all Lions with six pressures. Levi Onwuzurike had five, Alim McNeil three, DJ Reader had two. With some sporadic through the rest of the defense. Brian Branch had as many penalties as he had pressures, with two. The defense gave up a total of 258 passing yards and 158 rushing yards to the Titans. 90 of which went to Journeyman Tony Pollard. 2nd week in a row with a team moving the ball well, but not scoring.
The star of the game was WR/PR Khaliff Raymond. He had five punt returns for 190 yards, with one touchdown! Had he not turned to cut inside of a block could have had a second one. He came within 16 yards of breaking the NFL record of 216 punt return yards in a game! He also had two receptions for 14 yards and one touchdown.
PK Jake Bates remains perfect kicking his 11th FG of the season through the uprights from 51 yards out.
The offense, whole never being on the field long enough to get into a rhythm. Still produced six touchdowns! Jared Goff while only throwing the ball 12/15 for 85 yards. He threw three touchdowns and zero interceptions.
Running backs David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs provided a touchdown each on the ground.
But I did say the Lions offense scored six touchdowns, how you ask? Well, back in the old days (1952 to be exact was the last time it happened), there was a halfback pass play. Jared Goff tosses what looks like a sweep play to David Montgomery. He throws a dart to TE Sam LaPorta (fitting on National Tight Ends Day!)
Special Teams and timely turnovers made the Lions be able to score quick and often to the tune of 52 points total! 2nd highest score achieved by the Detroit Lions in franchise history. They now improve to 6-1 with the best record in the NFC.
Next week is war week within the division again. They head North to face the Green Bay Packers.
Final Score
Titans 14
Lions 52
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