Lions vs. Panthers: Detroit ends three-game losing skid

Fourth Quarter

Matt Prater lined up for a 58-yard field goal but a delay of game penalty on Martin pushed the Lions into a punt.

Carolina’s offense continued to encounter their own issues on the first few snaps of the drive but Newton connected with Funchess to convert for the first down. Cam’s drive continued down the field as the Panthers established a rhythm and they marched their way towards trying to score their first points since the game’s opening drive.

The Carolina QB eventually found his receiver Curtis Samuel for the touchdown but the Panthers’ kicking woes continued as the extra point resulted in a tie game, 13-13 all.

On 3rd & 2, Stafford delivered another Favre-esque pass with a quick shovel to Riddick for a big gain but on the next snap, Julius Peppers got home on Stafford for the sack. Quickly finding himself in another third down hole, Stafford hit Golladay for 36-yards for a critical third down conversion with penalty yardage adding onto the net gain on the back end. On yet another third down and long, Kenny Golladay snagged a beautiful pass from his QB for a 19-yard touchdown, 20-13 Detroit.

On 3rd & 8, Newton overthrew his receiver Funchess as Slay was running with him step-for-step as the Panthers went three-and-out.

On 2nd & 6, Lion RB LeGarrette Blount got blasted in the backfield by linebacker Luke Kuechly as he tried to make a play. The Lions had to punt but they ran as much time off the clock as they could before Martin’s boot.

McCaffrey found himself wide open for a 30+ yard reception as Carolina progressed on an aggressive play. Newton found Curtis Samuel to move the chains again via the air as the game hit its final two-minute warning.

With momentum against them, the Lion defense pressured Newton into having to throw the ball away. Jarius Wright caught a pass to convert the first down for the Panthers and DJ Moore caught the touchdown on the next play. The Panthers looked to opt for two but soon called their second timeout before snapping the ball. The Panther offense took the field again after the timeout and they missed the two-point conversion attempt, 20-19 Detroit.

Carolina tried an onside kick but the Lions recovered and had the chance to run out the clock which they did with a few snaps from the “victory” formation. Detroit ended their three-game losing streak as they held on for a strong win against a stout opponent, 20-19 Final.

With the passing of this game, the holiday season is officially upon the city of Detroit and the Lions as they prepare to host the Chicago Bears this Thursday for their annual Thanksgiving tilt.

Win or lose, “Turkey Day” football from the Lions is a staple for me and my household and though this season has gone contrary to my hopes, just like many of you, Thursday will be just another opportunity for family, faith, fellowship, and football!