Detroit Lions Stay Red Hot As They Defeat Vikings 34-23
Lions fans rejoice! There may be an end to the heartache and disappointment that Lions fans have been experiencing for years (or even decades). Despite having a 6-7 record, they have won two straight, have won five of six, and are in a tight race for the seventh and final playoff spot in the NFC. At the end of October, no one outside of the Lions organization believed the team would make such a turn around. It was unimaginable when the Lions stunned observers over a three game span giving the team new life.
Detroit’s offense has the second-highest EPA per play in the NFL (+0.176), trailing only the mighty Kansas City Chiefs. During that span, the Lions have averaged 32.8 points per game. As of Sunday, the Lions led the league with six games scoring 30 points or more. In terms of scoring, they were ranked No. 6 and in terms of red zone efficiency, they were ranked No. 1. When asked about his confidence in his receivers, quarterback Jared Goff said,” I feel as comfortable as I’ve ever felt, for sure. The confidence that I’ve built in these receivers in the last three or four weeks has grown so much. I trust them so much now and can throw things in tight windows, and they trust me to put the ball where needed. The line is playing great, too. It all works together.” In light of the fact that offensive linemen are not credited enough as a part of explosive offenses, I am compelled to point out how well the Lions have been blocking lately. Detroit’s bruising front has allowed the eighth-lowest pressure rate in the NFL during this six-game ascent, and only Tom Brady and Dak Prescott have been sacked less than Goff in his 3.0% sack rate during this time frame.
The Lions are moving forward from their tumultuous past with every victory. Fans are hungry for success and turn out in strong numbers despite the slow start. In the weeks leading up to the playoffs, it’s imperative to play your best football and the Lions are doing just that. They will have another tough opponent next Sunday as the head to New York to play the Jets, a team also looking to sneak into the playoffs and a team who has one of the top rated defenses in the league. It will be a grit and grind type of game, but giving the way the team has been playing lately hopes are high for the Not so same ol’ Lions.
Perfect timing. @_luhjerry pic.twitter.com/k1M7uPMwhh
— ² (@DetroitsLegacy) December 11, 2022
