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Detroit Lions: 10 observations from the win at Minnesota

By Payne Schanski

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 1: Miles Killebrew #35 of the Detroit Lions breaks up a pass to Laquon Treadwell #11 of the Minnesota Vikings in the second quarter of the game on October 1, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 1: Miles Killebrew #35 of the Detroit Lions breaks up a pass to Laquon Treadwell #11 of the Minnesota Vikings in the second quarter of the game on October 1, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 1: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions passes the ball in the first quarter of the game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 1, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 1: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions passes the ball in the first quarter of the game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 1, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /

Lions offense: sort of happening?

5. Stafford is boring lately…but that’s actually a good thing.  19-31, a little over 200 yards, no TDs, no picks. No comebacks, no brilliant snap count maneuvers, no turnovers (some close calls though). This is the antithesis of the old “Stat-ford” days, and I don’t mind.

I’ve never once heard the term “game manager” used to describe Stafford. Maybe he can grow into the label though. If he only needs to pull out the Superman cape a few times a year though, it only means the team is improving.

6. That pesky 100 yard curse can’t last much longer. Ameer Abdullah came so close yesterday. He was only one or two more carries away from finally breaking the 100 yard mark before turning his ankle. I was relieved to read that he should be back full speed next week.

The offensive line (when healthy) is playing well, and I think it’s only a matter of time before Abdullah has a huge game on the ground.

7. TJ Jones keeps justifying his roster spot. After 63 yards receiving vs Atlanta, Jones had another three catches on Sunday, plus a big two point conversion catch. Jones is always the last guy on the depth chart and always seems on the verge of getting cut at the end of training camp.

It’s great to see him showing consistency and making legitimate contributions to the offense. Especially since Kenny Golladay has gone into hibernation since Week 1.

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