Lions vs. Panthers: Detroit ends three-game losing skid
Third Quarter
On the first play of the second half, Kerryon got the ball to midfield with a burst of 24-yards. The offense sputtered immediately after the big run though with a subsequent loss of one on a first down play and a missed pass on second down that quickly turned into a failed conversion attempt on 3rd & 11.
The saving grace for the Lions after their flop on offense was yet another critical punt by Sam Martin that pinned the Panthers inside of their own 10-yard line.
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The Panthers quickly found themselves in a 3rd & 10 hole but Cam Newton found rookie receiver D.J. Moore for an 82-yard catch-and-run play that ended with Darius Slay making the touchdown saving tackle as he got shaken up.
On 3rd & 4 from Detroit’s 4-yard line, second-year linebacker Jarrad Davis sacked Newton which forced Carolina to settle for a field goal. In a stunning development (and continuing the trend of kickers struggling against the Lions!) placekicker Graham Gano missed a 34-yard field goal.
On the next series, Golladay grabbed a 13-yard pass from his quarterback and Bruce Ellington caught another pass for an 11-yard gain. Stafford continued his success through the air on this drive as he found Riddick for another double-digit gain of 18. Ellington gained yet another 21-yards through the air as the Lions seemingly moved the ball at will through the air.
Regardless of the success of their aerial attack, Detroit’s offense sputtered in the red zone and they had to settle for a 32-yard field goal attempt by Prater which was good, 13-7 Detroit. Unfortunately towards the end of this drive, Kerryon Johnson was injured and had to go get checked out in the locker room.
On the first third down play on Carolina’s next possession, McCaffrey was able to convert the one yard needed for a new set of downs. Ansah nearly got home to sack Newton but the QB managed to get the ball off though it was nearly a turnover. During the play though, Newton stayed down on the ground for a bit but he eventually managed to walk off the field on his own.
Carolina’s backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke came in to attempt the third down pass but the QB missed Funchess. A nice return by Detroit’s T.J. Jones set the Lions up with good field position.
Kenny Golladay continued his stellar play as he took a first down slant pass for 11-yards but the offense continued its woes after failing on third down.