Week 6 Recap: Detroit Lions vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

The Detroit Lions came out of their bye week re-energized, and with a statement to make against the Jacksonville Jaguars. They set the tone from the opening kickoff, jumping out to an early lead and never taking their foot off the gas.

The Lions’ defense did their job by forcing a three-and-out on the game’s opening drive. A short punt then set up the offense at the 50-yard line. Matthew Stafford led a 10-play drive that resulted in a goal-line touchdown for the first score of the game. That set the tone for a 17-3 Lions halftime lead.

In the second half, the Jaguars would not get any closer. They trailed 31-10 after three quarters, eventually losing 34-16.

Statistics

Lions rookie running back D’Andre Swift had his first career 100-yard rushing game. The Georgia product finished with 116 yards on 14 carries and two touchdowns. He was by far Detroit’s most effective back, with Adrian Peterson and Kerryon Johnson combining for just 49 yards.

Kenny Golladay also eclipsed the 100-yard mark for the Lions offense, catching four passes for 105 yards. Second-year tight end T.J. Hockenson caught his third touchdown of the year. That is one more than he had in his rookie campaign.

The Jaguars’ early deficit led to far more passing attempts for Gardner Minshew than they would have liked. He finished the day 25-44, with one touchdown and one interception. Minshew did add a rushing touchdown, his first of the season.

A lone bright spot for the Jaguars offense was wide receiver Keelan Cole, who turned 9 targets into 6 receptions for 143 yards. The rest of the team’s offense combined for only 100 yards through the air.

Highlights

.@DAndreSwift goin’ 🆙 for the score#DETvsJAX | 📺 FOX | #OnePride pic.twitter.com/MN07gKxdUP

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) October 18, 2020

9⃣➡️1⃣9⃣ for 48 yards on the free play!#DETvsJAX | 📺 FOX | #OnePride pic.twitter.com/3eBcpSBcrU

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) October 18, 2020

RB @DAndreSwift taking it in for 6⃣ #DETvsJAX | 📺 FOX | #OnePride pic.twitter.com/fzWwmqG0Hb

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) October 18, 2020

Coming Up

The Jaguars will look to bounce back next week when they visit the Los Angeles Chargers. They will be looking to snap a five-game losing streak that has followed their season-opening win over the Indianapolis Colts. The Chargers matchup will be their final game before the bye week.

The Lions will be visiting the Atlanta Falcons next week. After a slow start to the season, Detroit has a great opportunity to move to 2-0 after their early-season bye. Facing off with a Falcons defense that has struggled this year, the Lions will look to keep the offensive momentum going.