Pride of Detroit
The Detroit Lions controlled the final three quarters against the Cleveland Browns in a way that made the game feel in hand all afternoon, even if the game was closer than the 34-10 final score would suggest.
Let’s take a look at how individual positions performed with our Lions Week 4 report card and grades.
Jared Goff was a little hard on himself after the game—particularly when it came to his lack of chemistry with Jameson Williams. I think he was falling on that grenade, to be honest. For the majority of the game, Goff was in command, delivering accurate balls, and—most importantly—avoiding negative plyas.
The Lions have not allowed a sack in three consecutive games, and while most give credit to the offensive line for such an accomplishment, the quarterback deserves just as much. Goff’s internal clock is elite, and he manages the pocket better than most think. On one particular play against the Browns, he stepped up, ran to his right, and found a wide-open Amon-Ra St. Brown for a big 25-yard gain to avoid an early three-and-out. The Lions finished that drive with a touchdown.
Prior to this game, the longest run the Browns allowed was 11 yards. Jahmyr Gibbs ripped off rushes of 22 and 24 yards against this impressive defense. Those explosive plays were huge in a run game that otherwise struggled to move the ball (17 of 27 designed rushes gained 3 yards or less). That said, I thought Gibbs could have fought harder on his failed fourth-and-2 run, and it was tough sledding out there for David Montgomery (nine rushes, 12 yards).
In terms of the passing game, Sam LaPorta finished with just three catches for 39 yards. Blocking didn’t seem particularly good or bad, although there were certainly a few cases where Myles Garrett made them look silly (as he does against most tight ends).
This group has set a pretty high standard this year, so there’s no shame in a bit of a down game against Cleveland’s defensive front.
This was one of those weird down days from Jameson Williams. Unfortunately, it’s not completely foreign to see. There have been days and practices where Williams and Goff just aren’t on the same page. It’s hard to assign blame to one or the other, but it rarely seems to happen with the other receivers. Regardless, it happens, and Williams’ two drops and erratic route running would’ve proven costly against a better foe.
Of course, the receiver room isn’t just made up of Williams, and St. Brown was fantastic, yet again. After adding seven catches for 70 yards and two touchdowns, St. Brown now leads the NFL in receiving touchdowns (6), and is sixth in receiving yards (307).
It’s really hard to grade the offensive line in this one. On one hand, rushing lanes were few and far between against the Browns defense. Yet,...
