Detroit Lions (10-1) – Indianapolis Colts (5-7): 24-6
The Detroit Lions, with Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery today, have assumed their new status as favorites for the Super Bowl. Without necessarily shining, Dan Campbell was able to rely on his favorite duo of runners. Sonic and Knuckles, aka Gibbs and Montgomery got the job done today with 172 yards and 3 touchdowns. At their side, Jared Goff was good without being exceptional (26/36, 269 yards), just like Amon-Ra St-Brown (62 yards) who has already played better this season. But the Lions have room and look easy. All eyes are now on the playoffs in Michigan.
Opposite, the Colts and Anthony Richardson started the match well, building on their victory against the Jets. Problem is, they ended up falling back into their ways. The defense generally does the job but the offense is inconsistent. Shane Steichen and his staff make Richardson a caricature of himself (11/28, 172 yards, 61 yards rushing). They force big aerial plays, completely forgetting Jonathan Taylor (11 races, 35 yards) and the ground game as well as the intermediate games. Their young quarterback has progressed a little but it is not by asking him to play hero that the Colts will exploit his potential. There is still much work to be done at all levels in Indiana.
Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, Sonic and Knuckles
The Colts start the meeting with their feet on the ground. Anthony Richardson confirms that his time on the bench was beneficial to him. Sharper on his passes, he also gains significant yards on the ground but the attack is stopped a few yards from the goal. Matt Gay opens hostilities with 3 points. On defense, the Colts are also there. DeForest Buckner forces Jared Goff to lay down on third down. Indianapolis has yet to concede a touchdown on the opponent's first possession this season. The Lions force the punt in turn.
Detroit recovers quickly. Jahmyr Gibbs concludes a possession where almost all players were involved. Opposite, Anthony Richardson is a new player. Linking long and intermediate throws with precision, he is unfortunately not always helped by his receivers. The Colts fail again in the red zone and settle for three points. Unfortunately, any point left in the way is fatal against these sickeningly easy Lions. This time, it's David Montgomery's turn to score his touchdown. Indianapolis is stalling a bit, as is Detroit. The score remains there, 14-6 for the felines.
The Lions win without shining
The Colts defense comes back from the locker room with good intentions and prevents the Lions from scoring. Same story on the Detroit side. On the next possession, Goff almost lost the ball on a sack by Laiatu Latu, covered by David Montgomery. A lesser evil since Jahmyr Gibbs scored again a few moments later. Anthony Richardson is forced to play the hero, Indianapolis does not take advantage and punts again.
This fourth quarter turns into a punt contest. Indeed, the two teams chained together four before Detroit added three points to the clock to take a three possession lead. The Lions defense tightens up and stops the Colts on fourth attempt. With five minutes remaining, the fate of the match seemed sealed. A pair of first downs later, it's official, Detroit wins 24-6 and asserts its position as leader of the NFC North.
