Colts 41, Lions 21 : Game # 7 ( 2020 )

[D6]

Detroit Lions grades: So many D's and F's but one unit was a complete disaster

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The missed tackle that I recall on Hyheim Hines' first TD reception was by Duron Harmon around the Lions 5 yard line. The missed tackle was near the right sideline. Because the Lions home/ blue jersey numbers are hard to identify, Lions numbers in these jerseys are often misidentified.

The concern of Taylor Decker's back likely lead to the Offensive Line changes. Having said that, I still believe the Lions should have used Joe Dahl at LG ( if he played ) and Jonah Jackson at RG.

The wrist injury Trey Flowers has been dealing with, before the 4th QTR injury that landed him on IR, probably was a major part of why Flowers was getting less snaps.

[D6]

NFL Week 8 PFF ReFocused: Indianapolis Colts 41, Detroit Lions 21

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The negatives far outweighed the positives in this game for the Lions. But it's good to see Jeff Okudah continue to make strides against the pass. His run Defense, with the exception of Cardinals QB Kyler Murray putting a move on him near the goal line resulting in a TD, has been a strength in his 6 games of action.

[D6]

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The bad judgment by Danny Shelton, that opened the door for the late Flag Unnecessary Roughness Penalty on what would have been a 3rd Down sack, overshadowed the overall better play of Sheldon since after the bye.

[D6]

Nov 3, 2020 18:08:32 GMT -5 frenchylions said:

I'm certainly not blaming Tracy Walker who is a solid tackler, no defensive back can maintain a tight man coverage when screened by his own teammates.

Well, actually, I think (after reviewing the game thanks to my gamepass he he) that the O-line did not play THAT bad.  There were leaks and miscues here and there but Stafford sometimes keeps the ball for too long, craving for deep passes instead of passing the ball to his checkdown.
Stafford's completion percentage is only 61.4 % this season (lower third of the pack) ... unsatisfying for a seasoned QB.

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Granted, Matthew Stafford has been off target on too many throws this season. It was certainly the case in the Colts game. Even factoring this in, the drops by the Lions this season have been numerous. That has been a significant factor in Stafford's lower completion %.


Against the Colts, I put more blame on the Lions Offensive Line and less than Stafford. Also, factoring in the subpar run blocking, that put the Lions in unavailable down and distance situations repeatedly. There's no question the Lions need much better performances from the Offensive Line collectively and from Stafford.

[frenchylions]

"Per Pro Football Focus, the Colts, blitzed over 20 times against Detroit. Care to guess how many times they blitzed in their previous six games combined? 43 times.

#Colts/Lions, when blitzed:
• Philip Rivers: 7-of-12, 78 yards, 2 TD, zero sacks, 117.4 rating
• Matthew Stafford: 8-of-18, 77 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT (returned for TD), 3 sacks (one forced fumble recovered by defense), 52.3 rating.

— Andrew Walker (@awalkercolts) November 3, 2020"
horseshoeheroes.com/2020/11/03/colts-defense-blitzing-matt-eberflus-vs-lions/

The Colts changed tack for this game, blitzing heavy, and the Lions'offfensive coordinator was likely caught offguard and didn't call for 6 or 7 men protection ?
This is no excuse for the offensive line though, they should be able to handle blitz pressure.


Considering the run game, if your line is overpowered, be creative with your playcalling ... if I remember well, there was only 1 end around with Agnew that worked pretty well and 1 screen with Kerryon Johnson that was blasted because of a missed block from Jonah Jackson.
The playcalling may have been too conservative ?

Other player could share the blame ...  the missed field goal from Prater ... #34 Tony Mc Rae kick catch interference, he made 3 more strides after the push, the flag is debatable but not totally unjustified.  Also I don't see many audibles from Stafford on the line of scrimmage.  The (too ?) soft defensive playcalling.  Etc. After such a frustrating defeat, everyone in the organization has to question themselves.


I confirm that the missed tackle was #26 Harmon ... what's the marketing department doing with these jerseys, it's nearly impossible to dissociate 8 from 9 from 3 from 5 etc ... they messed off !!

In the article from the Detroit Free Press - Dave Birkett  : "Jamie Collins appeared to be responsible for a 24-yard pass play on the opening drive"
False - On the Colts opening drive, this is #20 Wilkins gaining 24 yards (not Hines) and it was a man coverage, Wilkins was flanker and put in motion to run a drag route, #24 Onuwaryie was covering him.

I agree with you, Danny Shelton has been a solid run stuffer on the last couple of games.

Jeff Okudah has the abilities to turn into an elite cornerback, his contribution to the run defence is notable even if at times, he is tackling very low (below the knees) and without his arms, resulting in missed tackles.
He's also demonstrated that he is a smart player, with good play recognition.