Lions at Bills: Special Teams miscues costly in road loss
Third Quarter
The second half began with a short pass to Andy Jones for 5-yards and on the next play, Zenner darted through Buffalo’s defense for a chunk gain of 17-yards on the ground. Detroit’s defense couldn’t convert on third down and ultimately had to punt the ball back to the Bills.
Buffalo moved the chains a few times on their first possession of the second half as they worked to find their rhythm on offense. As they reached midfield though, the Bills stalled out on offense and punted the ball back to their adversaries.
More from SideLion Report
- Top 5 revenge games on the Detroit Lions 2023 schedule
- Lions center Frank Ragnow optimistic about continuing to play through toe injury
- Detroit Lions 2023 preseason schedule: Dates, times and opponents
- A new contract extension projection for Lions quarterback Jared Goff
- 4 wide receivers the Detroit Lions could still look to acquire this offseason
Blount gained 6-yards on the first carry of Detroit’s new series but that was the highlight of the series as the Lions were forced into a three-and-out by the Bills’ defense.
Isaiah McKenzie fielded the punt but he, unfortunately, went down during his return and had to be carted off the field with what looked to be a lower-body injury. On a play that was ruled as a reception of 30+ yards for the Bills, Lions head coach Matt Patricia challenged the call but the play stood as it was called.
As a result, the Bills were within striking distance in Detroit’s red zone. On 3rd & 3, the Bills tried to run it with their QB but he was stopped after a gain of one. Buffalo opted to go for it on 4th down in a pivotal play. The ball came loose as Allen tried to make a play and though the Bills recovered it, they were short of the first down. Defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson forced the fumble on Jared Allen.
Golladay gained 8-yards on his first catch of the new series and Zenner gained one more yard to get it to 3rd & 1. With some hardnosed running, Zenner managed to convert the Lion first down. Levine Toilolo then grabbed his third catch of the game in order to move the chains again for his team.
Riddick gained six more yards on the ground and his run was the last play of the quarter.