The Detroit Lions earned their fourth straight win with a 19-9 victory over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, but it may be hard for fans to feel like they were winners. The Lions struggled to get going offensively during the game but leaned on their defense and special teams to come away with the win and in a tough NFC North race, that may be all that matters.
But each player is different and could come out of Sunday’s game feeling a different way. With that, there were several winners and losers that guided Detroit to a win over a pesky Dolphins squad.
Winners and losers from the Detroit Lions' win over the Miami Dolphins
Winner: Derrick Moore – EDGE
The Lions were dealing with all kinds of injuries on defense and it required a “next man up” mentality. One of those players who stepped up was rookie edge rusher Derrick Moore, who had the best game of his short career.
According to Pro Football Focus, Moore recorded four pressures and a pair of sacks in the win. Those sacks also came in a clutch scenario as he took down Malik Willis as the Dolphins were driving into the red zone down 16-6 with 10:17 left in the fourth quarter.
Head coach Dan Campbell praised Moore after the game, telling Nolan Bianchi of the Detroit News that he’s getting better “with every rep.” He also mentioned that Moore is improving, which could help him earn more playing time in the future.
Wonnum will get his job back when he returns from injury, but seeing Moore play well under the circumstances is a big development for the Lions’ defense.
Winner: Jahmyr Gibbs – RB
You were probably disappointed if you had Gibbs in your fantasy league this week, but he was the most consistent performer the Lions had on offense. Gibbs finished with 74 yards on 20 carries and failed to catch his lone target. But that didn’t stop him from finding the end zone as he scored on an eight-yard run with 1:20 left in the third quarter.
The touchdown helped Gibbs join a historic group of players who have scored at least 11 touchdowns in each of their first four seasons. Of the other four players to accomplish this feat, Eric Dickerson, Marcus Allen and Bob Hayes are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Ricky Watters has a solid case to join them someday.
For Gibbs, this could be another step toward winning the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year Award and cementing himself as a player the Lions can’t live without.
Winner: Lions special teams
Aside from a fake punt that resulted in a 46-yard pass from Bradley Pinion to Kaytron Allen, the Lions special teams had a strong afternoon.
After missing his first field goal of the season in last week’s win over the Minnesota Vikings, Jake Bates made four field goals and his lone extra point on Sunday. Jack Fox also had a 54-yard punt that landed inside the Miami 20-yard line and successfully executed a fake punt of his own, hitting Tay Martin for an 11-yard gain that kept a drive going in the second quarter.
In a game that needed all three phases to come through, the Lions’ special teams made an impact and it showed how Detroit can win no matter what style of game is being played.
Loser: Miles Frazier – OG
Lions fans and reporters were surprised when Miles Frazier was in the starting lineup in place of Christian Mahogany at left guard. But that was about as pleasant as finding out you need an appendectomy.
PFF charged Frazier with just one pressure on 31 pass-blocking snaps, but that was kind to anyone who watched the game. Frazier whiffed on multiple blocks and was overpowered at times by the Dolphins' defensive front and he couldn’t get anything going in the running game, posting a 42.5 grade.
After the game, head coach Dan Campbell explained that Mahogany was held out due to disciplinary “team rules.” If that was the case, Lions fans can breathe easy and expect him back in the lineup. But for Frazier, this was a chance to solidify his status with the team and it was a colossal flop.
Loser: Jared Goff – QB
Goff had a tough afternoon, but you could argue a lot of it wasn’t his fault. With Frazier and rookie Blake Miller struggling on the right side of the offensive line, the Lions’ passing game was neutered as he completed 17-of-25 passes for 170 yards with an interception.
In addition, Sunday was the first time that Goff had not thrown a touchdown pass since a Nov. 24, 2024 game against the Indianapolis Colts, per Pride of Detroit’s Jeremy Reisman.
It’s hard to blame Goff for his struggles, as Detroit had 270 yards of total offense and it was the first time they failed to post 350 yards of offense this season. Things should also be better if Mahogany gets out of the doghouse next week, giving Goff the protection he needs to fire downfield.
Add us as a preferred source on Google