Coming into this game, the Detroit Lions and Arizona Cardinals seemed to be heading in opposite directions, leading most to believe that Arizona would run away with this game. However, the Lions defense stepped up and slowed down quarterback Kyler Murray, and Detroit squeaked out a win on the road.
Back-and-Forth Battle
This game was close from beginning to end. Detroit even walked into halftime with a 17-13 lead over the Cardinals. After Detroit tied up the game at 23 with just over six minutes left in the game, the Lions would go on to win 26-23 after a last-second, 39-yard field goal from Matt Prater. Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford had a strong performance going 22-31 and throwing two touchdown passes. Wideout Kenny Golladay made his season debut this week, and Lions fans should rejoice as he brought some new life to the offense. Golladay would catch six passes, a touchdown, and a total of 57 receiving yards. Adrian Peterson also added 75 yards on the ground, including a 27-yard scamper on the second play from scrimmage.
Lions Defense Shines
What was truly impressive in this game was the Lions defense. They would allow just 109 rushing yards, with Murray having only 29. Linebacker Tracy Walker led the team in tackles with 12, and rookie Jeff Okudah had another impressive performance this week. Okudah made six tackles, including two tackles for loss, and grabbed his first career interception. Safety Duron Harmon and linebacker Jamie Collins would also grab an interception.
On the contrary, Murray and the Cardinals offense struggled to get the momentum going early. The Lions forced Murray into poor throws, and he would tally two interceptions through the first half. Murray would go 23-35, throw for 270 passing yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions on the day. Despite the loss, Cardinals wideout DeAndre Hopkins had a phenomenal day catching 10 passes and tallying 137 receiving yards. Fellow wideout Andy Isabella would grab both of Murray’s touchdown passes. Running back Kenyan Drake, who struggled to get involved early, would finish with 18 carries and 73 rushing yards.
Highlights
😲 @kgxix#DETvsAZ | 📺 FOX | #OnePride pic.twitter.com/66AmUNFsiV
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) September 27, 2020
Golladay catches a 15-yard touchdown pass at the end of the second quarter.
How? Just…. how?@K1 with another insane juke for the score.
📺 #DETvsAZ on FOX pic.twitter.com/XrjyyPJrc3
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) September 27, 2020
Murray shakes a Lions defender out of his shoes on a touchdown run.
2nd of the day for @AndyIsabella5.
📺 #DETvsAZ on FOX pic.twitter.com/904jNl34KF
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) September 27, 2020
Murray tosses a quick pass outside and Isabella dives into the endzone.
Matt Prater wins it for the @Lions! #OnePride #DETvsAZ pic.twitter.com/wEpElAan7Y
— NFL (@NFL) September 27, 2020
Prater nails a 39-yard field goal for the win.
The Lions knocked the Cardinals back down to earth this weekend. Even so, Murray and this Cardinals offense have the potential to make a strong case for the playoffs this season. Eliminating mistakes will be critical moving forward and not giving opposing teams easy opportunities to score. For the most part, the defense was solid, and safety Budda Baker will likely miss a game or two after having a procedure for a thumb injury, which he played through against the Lions.
For Detroit, this game was a confidence booster and likely helped head coach Matt Patricia hold on to his job a little longer. This was a gritty and ugly win for the Lions; however, they kept the ball clean and did not have a single turnover all day. If they can continue to force mistakes on opposing teams, there is some hope for this Lions team to put together a respectable season.
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Main Credit Image: Embed from Getty Images
