The Detroit Lions are now 10-4, thanks to their dominant 42-17 win over the Denver Broncos. The Lions played a complete game, outplaying the Broncos in every phase. The win and the performance were the perfect remedy for the Lions following their recent three-game wobble.
The Lions are now just one win away from their first NFC North title and could clinch a playoff spot this weekend. Detroit played their best game of the season at the most critical time. Here are three takeaways from this big win.
Ifeatu Melifonwu Comes up Big
Now in his third season, many Lions fans have never thought much about Ifeatu Melifonwu. Niggling injuries and inconsistent production have kept Melifonwu on the sidelines for much of his Lions career.
However, against Denver, the third-year player played his best game. Melifonwu stuffed his stat sheet with nine total tackles, one strip sack, two quarterback hits and two pass breakups. Melifonwu was everywhere for the Lions. His athleticism and rangy physique helped the Lions all over the field.
Melifonwu played stoutly in the tackle box on run plays and made big plays as a deep safety. Melifonwu helped Detroit’s secondary play an excellent game. The Lions recorded eight pass deflections, the most since playing Tampa Bay in October.
The Rookies Are Special
You know the story by now: the Lions had a horrible draft. Draft analysts and rival fans panned Detroit’s selections. Through 15 weeks, the Lions’ rookies have confounded those theories. And they were at it again on Saturday night.
Jahmyr Gibbs and Sam LaPorta delivered outstanding performances against the Broncos. Gibbs recorded 100 rushing yards, scored two touchdowns and displayed his electric speed and contact balance. Gibbs’ burst and speed are otherwordly; he is an explosive play waiting to happen. The Broncos never got close to the Alabama product. His fleet feet, agility and ability to carry through contact caused Denver many problems.
Per Sumer Sports, Gibbs ranks fourth overall in explosive plays and fifth overall in rush-yards-over-expected per attempt. He is becoming a star.
One can say the same for Sam LaPorta. The big tight end hauled in five passes for 56 yards and three touchdowns. LaPorta is now tied third for most receiving touchdowns from a tight end. He and Jared Goff have struck a potent relationship; they are always on the same page. LaPorta is playing like a veteran tight end and is producing like an Offensive Rookie of The Year.
LaPorta is third overall in total EPA for tight ends, just behind George Kittle and Travis Kelce. The versatility, reliability and football IQ have made LaPorta a star.
Head coach Dan Campbell said it best regarding his two star rookies:
“I’m just going to bring it back to Brad Holmes. Once again, it’s a hell of a job by him. He took A LOT of criticism for those two picks. But they look like they are okay. I’m glad we got ’em.”
Aaron Glenn Called a Great Game
Aaron Glenn always receives a lot of criticism from Lions fans and local radio stations for his coordination of the defense. Yesterday, Glenn bettered his old boss Sean Payton, and the defense played arguably their best game of the season.
Glenn threw multiple curveballs at the Broncos with many linebacker, cornerback and safety blitzes. Kindle Vindlor, Melifonwu, Alex Anzalone, and Brian Branch all recorded quarterback hits from blitzes. In total, the Lions notched eight quarterback hits. The blitzes unsettled Russell Wilson and overwhelmed Denver’s offensive line.
Glenn kept dialling up aggressive blitzes, and the players executed perfectly. Cornerback Cam Sutton operated his side of the field with aplomb, allowing his fellow defensive backs to get downhill and attack Wilson. Moreover, the Lions were still solid against the run; Denver averaged three yards per run. It was an exceptional game plan from Glenn.
And his head coach praised him for it afterwards:
“I thought the defense did a really good job today,” Campbell said. “I thought AG called a heck of a game. We had a couple wrinkles in we felt would be good for us. It was the ultimate team win.”
What Next?
The Lions play the Minnesota Vikings. A win and the Lions will win the NFC North for the first time.
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