Here’s our report card for the Detroit Lions after they thoroughly dominated the Jacksonville Jaguars from start to finish in a 40-14 win Sunday.
Entering this game, many expected a shootout between two up-and-coming teams. Two exciting young offenses, matched up against lackluster defenses. The stage was set for an exciting game. Unfortunately for the Jaguars, the Detroit Lions were not keen on keeping this one close.
In one of their more dominant displays in recent memory, the Lions completely dismantled the Jaguars on Sunday. The offense scored on every possession, aside from kneel-downs at the end, and the defense allowed just 14 points. The lone touchdown drive the Jaguars had lasted over seven minutes, draining valuable time as the Lions were by multiple scores.
This 26-point win is the #Lions' highest margin of victory since their 31-0 win in a meaningless Week 17 beatdown of the Packers in 2018.
— Pride of Detroit (@PrideOfDetroit) December 4, 2022
Similar to the win over the Giants a few weeks ago, there’s not much to complain about from the Lions’ perspective. Detroit is playing as well as they can be right now, and the wins are piling up as a result.
Detroit Lions Week 13 Report Card: Dismantling the Jaguars
Offense
Rushing offense: 3/5 stars
The ground game got caught in a rut of inefficiency in the second half on Sunday. It was overall still good, but not great. D’Andre Swift took over the lead back role in this game, which paid off as he was by far the most dangerous of the running backs.
Swift averaged 4.4 yards per carry, racking up 62 yards on the ground and finding the end zone on an impressive run. Jamaal Williams also found the end zone, once again, as he continues to inch closer to the franchise record for rushing touchdowns in a season.
Passing offense: 5/5 stars
It’s been a long time since we’ve seen the Lions’ passing game be this efficient and consistent throughout an entire game. The offensive line was incredible all game long. They gave Jared Goff all day to throw, with a couple of pressures and sacks being a result of blitzes. Jacksonville’s pass rushers could not beat the Lions’ linemen on their own.
The pass catchers also all had great games. Swift as mentioned had a good day on the ground, but he also was very good as a receiver. Four catches for 49 yards, showcasing how dangerous he is in open space. DJ Chark had his best day as a Lion against his former team, finishing just below 100 yards. And Amon-Ra St. Brown had yet another dominant game, matching career highs in receptions (11) and touchdowns (2) as he put up 114 yards.
Best offensive player: QB Jared Goff
Goff had his best game as a Lion by far on Sunday. He was poised in the pocket, and was able to easily pick apart the Jaguars’ defense all game. Goff was especially good on third downs, where he was able to deliver numerous big-time completions.
For as poor as Goff played at the beginning of the year at times, he’s been elevating his play over the past few weeks. It’s not a coincidence he’s playing better now that all his weapons are healthy, but Goff still deserves an abundance of praise for his play on Sunday.
Worst offensive player: No one
No one stood out in a negative way on the Lions offense, as might be expected from such a clean effort. From start to finish everyone on the offensive side of the ball was completely locked in and executed their assignments throughout the game.