The hapless Detroit Lions continue to struggle to close out games, falling to the previously one-win Washington Redskins on Sunday at FedExField.
In a season filled with low moments, the Detroit Lions hit rock bottom on Sunday. Where they go from here is anyone’s guess.
Kicker Dustin Hopkins hit the go-ahead field goal with 16 seconds remaining, and the previously one-win Washington Redskins beat the Lions 19-16 on Sunday. It was the Lions’ seventh loss in their last eight games and drops them to 3-7-1.
With the game tied late in the fourth quarter, Lions quarterback Jeff Driskel was picked off by Washington cornerback Quinton Dunbar, which set up Hopkins winning kick, moments after he had tied the game at 16.
Starting his third straight game, Driskel threw three interceptions, including a clinching pick to corner Fabian Moreau on the Lions’ final play, Moreau’s second takeaway of the day. Driskel finished 20/33 for 207 yards with one touchdown and the three interceptions.
For the second straight game, the Lions forced a turnover on the opening possession, recovering a fumble by Redskins rookie quarterback Dwayne Haskins. Unlike last week, however, the Lions couldn’t capitalize, as Matt Prater missed a 39-yard field-goal attempt, his fourth miss of the year.
Washington took a 10-3 lead after rookie Steven Sims bobbled a second-quarter kickoff, yet was able to recover and return it 91 yards for a touchdown, the first special teams touchdown surrendered by Detroit this year.
The Lions’ woes were compounded on their next two offensive plays, as Driskel was intercepted by Moreau, followed by a fumble by running back Bo Scarbrough. Washington was only able to secure three points off of those giveaways and led 13-6 at halftime.
The Lions tied the game on their first second-half drive on a 12-yard touchdown reception by tight end Logan Thomas, his first score of the season. A fourth-quarter field goal gave the Lions a 16-13 lead before Hopkins’ two late kicks put the Redskins on top.
Scarbrough led the Lions with 98 yards rushing, with Driskel adding 63 more on the ground. Kenny Golladay led the Lions with 61 receiving yards. Haskins finished 13/29 for 156 yards and one interception in his third career start.
The Detroit Lions host their annual Thanksgiving Day contest this Thursday, November 28th at 12:30 P.M. EST against the Chicago Bears.