Detroit Lions: 10 observations as the Lions finally win again at home
6. There is basically no lead that I would trust the Detroit Lions defense with.
Seriously. They could be up 38-6 and nearing the two-minute warning against the 2008 Lions and I’d still be pacing in the living room and practically begging for a fumbled snap. When that 24-3 lead evaporated in the blink of an eye today, I couldn’t even get mad. It would be as pointless as getting mad at the wind.
Under Matt Patricia, this is who they are, this is what they do. Giving up points on the final four drives of the game is sort of a given at this point, so instead of getting mad, just gotta find a way to work around it. I give the offense all the credit in the world for those last two drives, and even a tiny bit to the defense for only giving up three on their last stand.
7. A Tale of 2 Corners- Oruwariye is shining, Okudah is struggling.
After showing potential in limited action as a rookie, Amani Oruwariye has emerged as the team’s best cornerback. While the rest of the defense crumbled in the 4th quarter, Oruwariye’s defending prevented several potential big plays during Washington’s final drive.
Instead of giving up a touchdown in an infamous loss, the defense survived in large part to No. 24 staying with his man without committing penalties, something that’s been so difficult for this secondary.
On the other hand, the growing pains of third overall pick Jeffrey Okudah continued. He did make a nice open field tackle for loss, but Okudah again looked lost and well out of position several times during Washington comeback, where he was picked on repeatedly.
Heading into Sunday, opposing quarterbacks were completing nearly 75% of passes in Okudah’s direction, for a QB rating well north of 100. Coming out of Ohio State, Okudah answered a reporter’s question and said that Quintez Cephus was the toughest receiver he ever faced in college. It seemed a little questionable at the time, but then again, that would explain a lot about his current difficulties adjusting to the NFL.