New England Patriots (2-3) – Detroit Lions (1-4): 29-0
While the Lions were the best attack since the start of the season, they quickly came down to earth, not to score a single point. Explosive and impressive in the first four games, the Detroit attack did not seem able to exist against a dominant Patriots defense, led by a Matthew Judon (3 tackles, 2 sacks) of the big nights. Moreover, they proved that playing fourth attempts was not always the best solution.
No conversion on their fourth six attempts, such stubbornness could almost command admiration. The Lions have proven unable to be dangerous in these situations. Worse, they made this choice five times when they were in a position to score on foot. In the first half, in particular, on the 32 yards of the Patriots, Dan Campbell decided to play a 4 & 9 while Detroit was then led only 6-0. He took it badly, since the line of New England melts on Jared Goff, who is sacked by Matthew Judon and loses the ball. Kyle Dugger picks it up and drives 59 yards to score a defensive touchdown. From three potential points, Detroit finds itself at 13 points just before halftime.
.@Patriots defensive TD! Kyle Dugger scoop & score 🙌
📺: #DETvsNE on FOX
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/MoX9PRk3fw pic.twitter.com/oTjcPwqS4Z— NFL (@NFL) October 9, 2022
The rest of the match will be on the same rhythm, with an uninspired attack and an offensive line that is being drilled and which does not allow Jared Goff (19/35, 229 yards, 1 INT) to have time to launch. If he was only sent to the ground twice, he was forced to get rid of the ball in touch countless times. Seeing that it took until the last three minutes to see TJ Hockenson receive a ball is a sign of the difficulties encountered by the Lions attack, as the tight end has been productive since the start of the season.
The Patriots on a Sunday walk
Opposite, for his first career tenure, Bailey Zappe (17/21, 188 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) was solid without overdoing it. With a nice touchdown for Jakobi Meyers, he was able to advance his team, well helped by a Rhamondre Stevenson (25 races, 161 yards) in bulldozer mode. Certainly, the rookie quarterback has an interception that tarnishes his stats sheet, but it is not to his credit, the fault of the slippery hands of Nelson Agholor.
Above all, the Patriots defense raised their level of play to put out the NFL’s most prolific offense. On all lines, New England dominated. The front seven totally dominated Detroit’s offensive line, putting monstrous pressure on Jared Goff at all times. If they conceded 101 yards on the run, the low average of 3.7 yards per attempt is very positive.
A necessary rest for Detroit
The defensive backs were not left out, thanks in particular to rookie Jack Jones, author of an interception and two defended passes. This match turned out to be easier than expected for Bill Belichick and his men. If they made things easy thanks to a successful collective performance, they can also say thank you to the Lions, who scuttled each other throughout the match.
Yes, Dan Campbell has character, emotion and an outspokenness that delights the media and can probably inspire courage in his players. Only, week after week, many errors tarnish this positive image. When the attack was going well, he was unable to win his team. Today, he multiplied the errors of judgment, stubbornly persisting on fourth attempts when, in particular on the defensive touchdown of the Pats, the most intelligent and logical would have been to take the points. He will have to prove that he is more than a character if he wants to keep his job for the weeks/months/years to come. In any case, the rest week comes at the right time for Detroit.
