The expectations of Detroit Lions fans are now extremely low for their team. With the playoffs very unlikely, the Lions can still play for their pride.
Detroit Lions head coach, Matt Patricia has had a tumultuous first year at the helm of his new football team and he had a tough task ahead of him this week.
Hurting on the offensive side of the ball without running back Kerryon Johnson, receiver Marvin Jones, and tight end Michael Roberts, the short-handed Lions played host to the high octane Los Angeles Rams in a week where the Rams could clinch their division with a win in Detroit or a Seattle loss.
First Quarter
Sam Martin opened this game kicking off to the Rams and their running back Todd Gurley took the first carry of the game for two yards. After the opening play, LA’s QB, Jared Goff completed his first pass to his receiver Brandin Cooks for a 15-yard gain.
The Rams moved the ball a little on their drive and on an eventual 3rd & 4 play, Goff took the snap out of the shotgun but he missed his tight end Gerald Everett deep and the mighty Rams offense had to punt on their first possession.
Matthew Stafford opened up Detroit’s first possession at their own 4-yard line and LeGarrette Blount rumbled for nine yards with his first carry and he gained the first down on the next snap. Under duress, Stafford missed Blount on a screen pass that undoubtedly would have been for a huge gain had it connected. Next, Stafford rolled to his right and connected with his tight end, Levine Toilolo for a net gain of ten yards through the air.
The Rams’ impressive defensive tackle Aaron Donald made his way into the backfield to stop Blount for a loss of one yard and on the subsequent 3rd & 11 play, Stafford found his receiver Bruce Ellington for 9-yards but the play was short of converting another Detroit first down.
During the next LA possession, Gurley was held to only one on his first carry of the second series. Wideout Robert Woods skied high and snagged a 19-yard pass from his QB. Goff then tested Nevin Lawson deep but Lawson held firm with strong coverage on the incomplete pass.
From 1st & 10 in the red zone, Detroit defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson held Gurley to a gain of one. After a big hit, young Lion corner Mike Ford held on to make the tackle to force 3rd & 4 and on that play, Goff’s pass was incomplete and the Rams had to settle for a 24-yard field goal, 3-0 Los Angeles.
Lion RB Theo Riddick received a rare carry on Detroit’s next possession and he took it for an 11-yard gain. Wideout Kenny Golladay pulled down a 24-yard zinger from his quarterback and the Lions looked to be rolling. On the next play, Ellington took a screen pass for another 10-yards. Stafford was then sacked for a loss of 3-yards but he completed a quick pass to his tight end Luke Willson to get to 3rd down and that play ended the first quarter.