Pride of Detroit
The Detroit Lions (5-2) are heading into their bye week with a lot of positive vibes after beating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-2) on “Monday Night Football.” The Bucs held the best record in the NFC entering this game, but the Lions found yet another way to win, this time behind a defense that was playing with nearly all backups in their secondary.
For several of this week’s power rankers, the Lions proved them right for not dropping them too far following their Week 6 loss to the Chiefs in Kansas City, while other rankers felt like they did their rankings on Sunday, and just inserted their blurb without changing anything. Overall, the Lions are comfortably in the top 5—save one publication—and even top the list for a few confident analysts.
Let’s take a look at how things shook out in this week’s power rankings.
Detroit’s undermanned secondary stepped up in a massive way in Monday’s statement victory over Tampa Bay. The home team entered the night alarmingly shorthanded in the defensive backfield, and then Rock Ya-Sin had to miss some snaps with cramps. The Lions knew Baker Mayfield would keep coming, but they kept answering the bell. Despite dominating play in the first half, Detroit only led 14-3 at the break, having left a ton of points on the field with two turnovers, a turnover on downs and a missed field goal. Jared Goff’s pick before halftime helped gift the Buccaneers points, but the Lions’ offense responded with a touchdown on its first drive of the third quarter and the defense played incredibly well all night, especially considering the circumstances. The Lions might have taken the Chiefs’ best punch in Week 6, but they took out their frustrations on a good Bucs team that they might see again in January.
From ESPN Staff, excerpt from Eric Woodyard:
Unsung nonstarter/role player: WR Isaac TeSlaa
The rookie has received limited snaps playing behind wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams and Kalif Raymond, but TeSlaa has produced some highlight-reel plays when given opportunities. A native of Hudsonville, Michigan, he has logged only three receptions for 54 yards, though two of those receptions were TDs. The first was a spectacular one-handed grab in the season opener at Green Bay. His second career catch was another one-hander from quarterback Jared Goff against Chicago in Week 2. During the preseason, TeSlaa also logged three receiving touchdowns and is emerging as a fan favorite
From Josh Kendall and Chad Graff:
Reality check: They can beat you multiple ways
The job Dan Campbell has done after losing both his offensive and defensive coordinators this offseason is awfully impressive. The defense dominated the Bucs on Monday night. Offensively, the Lions leaned on the running game as Jahmyr Gibbs took 17 carries for 136 yards and two touchdowns. Campbell’s...
