A week after getting drubbed by the Buffalo Bills, the Detroit Lions had a potential palate cleanser in the form of the New York Jets. However, it was never going to be a cakewalk and the Lions knew that. Head coach Dan Campbell predicted a brawl against Aaron Glenn and company, and that proved true to the tune of a 31-24 victory.
The Lions got back in the win column and now have two games upcoming before their bye, and there are positives and negatives to work on. Some units have shown progress from
last week, while others continue to be points of concern. The key task for the Lions going forward is to correct those issues and lean into their strengths.
Did the Lions do enough to ease your worries versus the Jets, or are they still a flawed football team?
Today’s Question of the Day is:
Do you feel better or worse after the Detroit Lions’ win over the New York Jets?
My answer: A little better.
I think this game was eerily similar to the Week 1 victory over the New Orleans Saints. In both games, Detroit took an early lead, but their opponent managed to claw their way back in the second half, with the Saints forcing overtime and the Jets 28 yards away from doing the same. In both games, the Lions had opportunities to put a nail in the coffin, but miscues (penalties in Week 1, a turnover on downs in Week 3) gave life to their opponent.
The reason why I feel a bit better about this game compared to the Saints game is that the run defense looked improved. After getting gutted by the Buffalo Bills in Week 2 (203 rushing yards allowed on 36 carries), the Lions did a good job of stymieing the Jets’ ground game. Breece Hall, a dynamic running back, tallied only 32 yards on 13 carries. His backup, Braelon Allen, did little as well, finishing with just four carries for 14 yards. Yes, the Jets were trailing early, but they had ample opportunities to establish the run game—Detroit shut the door when it mattered.
The secondary looked better than in previous weeks—Christian Izien in particular was a revelation—but I am still far from confident in them. Getting Brian Branch at some point would be a phenomenal boost to the defense, as he and Izien would give the Lions versatility in the slot and in the box. Regardless, the cornerbacks need work. The Lions experimented with more Roger McCreary this week, and while he was better than Rock Ya-Sin, he is still far from a permanent solution. Ennis Rakestraw looked solid in limited snaps, so perhaps he will get an extended look in the coming weeks.
At the end of the day, the Lions will be carried by their offense, and that was yet again the case in Week 3. Jared Goff and Jahmyr Gibbs have been as perfect as can be through three weeks. The passing attack is diverse enough that they can weather a sub-par game from Amon-Ra St. Brown. The offensive line looked rekindled with Blake Miller back at right tackle. Jameson Williams and Isaac TeSlaa each made impactful catches. Even Sione Vaki was showing up in a positive way.
My only desire for the offense is for them to score earlier in games. Against the Saints, five of their first six drives ended with a punt or turnover. Against the Bills, their first two drives combined for seven plays and -1 yard. Against the Jets, the offense opened up with two punts and a field goal. There is certainly room to improve, and the offense has the talent to do so.
This win over the Jets was a step in the right direction and an opportunity to calm some nerves after a rough outing the week prior.
