Lions vs Jets: Matthew Stafford beaten and bruised in brutal Week 1 loss

Anything that could go wrong absolutely did as the Detroit Lions were clobbered at home against the New York Jets in a devastating loss at Ford Field.

The Detroit Lions‘ defense got off to a fast and furious start with Quandre Diggs intercepting Jets’ rookie Sam Darnold for a pick-six on his first professional pass attempt.

During New York’s second possession, Ezekiel Ansah broke through New York’s offensive line for an eight-yard sack and after the defensive score and a forced punt, Matt Patricia’s defense was riding high but they would soon be quickly brought back down to earth as this game went on.

New York answered Detroit’s touchdown with one of their own as running back Isaiah Crowell took one in from six yards out which tied the game at 7-7.

Offensively, much of the malaise from the preseason lingered over into this game for the Lions. Matthew Stafford misfired on his first five pass attempts and LeGarrette Blount was dragged down in the backfield for a seven-yard loss on his first carry.

After going three-and-out during his first series, Stafford went on to be intercepted by Jet cornerback, Morris Claiborne. Matthew was intercepted for a second time on Detroit’s subsequent series, but Lion wideout Kenny Golladay forced a fumble as he delivered a crushing blow to Trumaine Johnson as he recovered the ball for Detroit.  Unfortunately, Matt Prater was short on a 55-yard field goal attempt to end their possession.

A field goal and a 41-yard touchdown throw by Sam Darnold (his first NFL scoring strike) stretched the New York lead to 17-7 but the Lions managed to put together a 10 play, 72-yard drive which was aided by a couple of Jet penalties. After Stafford narrowly escaped throwing his third interception in the first half, Prater connected on a 21-yard field goal which made the score 17-10 headed into the break.

Coming out of halftime, Stafford went a perfect 4-4 in his passing. On that opening drive of the second half, Golden Tate caught the first two passes for a total gain of 30 yards, Golladay came down with a 26-yard zinger, and Tate was hit once again for a 24-yard score that served as Detroit’s first offensive touchdown of this young season.

The Lions looked strong as they drove the ball 75 yards in just four plays to tie the game but sadly, that drive served as the last signs of life shown by Detroit on this night.

Darnold threw his second touchdown of the night with a 21-yard toss to Quincy Enunwa and to make matters worse, the Jet defense picked Stafford off on a 3rd & 1 play and returned it for a 36-yard score. New York scored 14 points in approximately 90 seconds and reasserted their dominance in the game with a 31-17 score midway through the third quarter.

After being sandwiched between Jet defenders, Stafford was on the ground in pain for a significant amount of time. Matt Cassel would come into the game to relieve QB1 but the Lions had no choice but to punt as their leader went out of the game.

To add insult to injury, Detroit then gave up a 78-yard punt return touchdown to former Lion, Andre Roberts. Three touchdown scores in under 3 minutes pushed the margin to 38-17.

Stafford was able to come back into the game but threw his fourth pick of the game and the Jets scored another three points off of the turnover, 41-17. New York went on to score another touchdown and this one mercifully came to an end with a 48-17 final.

The Lions lost this game in all three phases (offense, defense, special teams) and they look to have their work cut out for them as they prepare for a Week 2 visit to face Jimmy Garoppolo and the San Francisco 49ers. Matt Patricia’s team will have to show a short memory as they work to move on from tonight’s debacle.