Three Big Takeaways From The Lions Week 3 Win
In Week 3, the Lions came out and made a statement win against the previously 2-0 Atlanta Falcons, with a final score of 20-6.
Photo Credit: Detroit Lions
A lot of improvements were made especially on the defensive side of the ball that had been lacking in the previous two weeks.
1. Defensive Line Making a Huge Leap in Production
Through two weeks of play, the Lions only had one sack which came from a crucial third down play by linebacker Alex Anzalone against the Seahawks in Week 2. Going into the matchup against the Falcons, the media and fans were pointing out the lack of sacks from star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson.
Hutchinson leads the league in QB Pressures and made a statement in this game by sacking quarterback Desmond Ridder twice. The team combined for seven total sacks in the win against the Falcons with Charles Harris, Derrick Barnes, Benito Jones, Alim McNeill and Jack Campbell all contributing to the sack total.
An overlooked aspect of the improved performance of the defensive line was the return of defensive tackle Isaiah Buggs. Buggs was out the first two games of the season and while he only put up one tackle in the box score his presence in the middle of the line was felt immediately.
Buggs was able to eat up more blocks with the help of fellow defensive tackle Alim McNeill which opened up more opportunities for the linebackers to make plays in the run game. The defense got 10 tackles for loss and held Atlanta rookie running back Bijan Robinson to 10 carries for 33 yards.
2. Jahmyr Gibbs is Electric
Photo Credit: Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images
A common complaint from Lions fans over the past two weeks was the lack of usage for rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs and with David Montgomery out for the game we got to see why Gibbs was a first-round pick.
Gibbs put up 80 yards on 17 carries averaging 4.7 yards per carry, and an additional two yards on one catch in the receiving game. Every time Gibbs touched the ball there was always an opportunity for him to make a highlight worthy play with Gibbs having three runs of 10+ yards.
After this performance, fans are hoping to see Gibbs more involved in the gameplan even after Montgomery returns from injury.
3. The Secondary Held Strong
The secondary was beat up coming into this game with injuries to cornerback Emmanuel Moseley and safeties C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Kerby Joseph.
Despite those injuries, players stepped up with big performances from Tracy Walker III and Brian Branch. Branch had his best game in his short career so far, putting up a total of 11 solo tackles, three tackles for loss and two pass deflections.
Desmond Ridder went 21 for 38 and threw for 201 yards and zero touchdowns with Kyle Pitts and Drake London both being kept under 50 receiving yards.
The Lions have a short week coming up as they play this Thursday night against the division rival Green Bay Packers.
