The Detroit Lions beat the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday in a defensive-sided game. The Lions scored just 21 points, their lowest score since week 3 versus the Cardinals. Goff didn’t turn the ball over, but he also didn’t pass for any touchdowns. The Lions’ defense allowed just 6 points, making it 10 straight quarters without allowing a touchdown. They struggled early stopping Richardson on the ground, but they adjusted and were great after that. This game has many winners, but also some obvious losers.
Winners
Tim Patrick
Patrick had arguably his best game as a Detroit Lion, getting 4 catches for 55 yards. Patrick has stepped in as a great wide receiver 3 and has been a great addition to the offense. Kalif Raymond went down today, and with Dan Campbell saying it could be serious, Patrick might take on a bigger role in this offense. Patrick is an overlooked part of Goff’s success, and his great play can help bring Detroit to a Super Bowl.
Alim McNeill
McNeill was in the backfield constantly, putting pressure on Richardson and stopping Jonathan Taylor. Taylor finished with just 35 yards on 11 carries, with McNeill clogging up run gaps right away. Richardson was also running outside of the pocket a lot because of pressure from McNeill. He’s proving to be one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL and a key part of the Lions’ defense. His play in the playoffs will be a huge factor in how far Detroit can go.
Jack Campbell
Campbell has emerged as a great linebacker this year, and he stepped up in the absence of Alex Anzalone. Campbell led the team with 9 tackles, along with 2 pass deflections. He also played a big part in stopping Taylor on the ground, allowing the Lions’ defense to get off the field easily for a lot of the game. After his rookie year, many people were concerned with how he was playing, but he has looked much better this year and looks like a first-round linebacker. He will need to continue to step up in the absence of Anzalone if the Detroit Lions want to have a successful end of the season.
Losers
Brian Branch
Branch has been elite this year, but Sunday was not his best game. He missed 3 tackles and was called for a penalty that put the Colts in field goal range. He was solid in coverage, but still not like he has been this year. He likely will be able to bounce back against Chicago next week and get back to how he has been playing for most of the year. Branch has been one of the best safeties in the NFL this, and if the Detroit Lions want to be successful in the postseason, he will need to be at his best.
Kindle Vildor
Vildor was terrible for the Lions against the Colts. He was getting burnt nearly every and targeted often. Richardson and the Colts noticed that he was a weakness and started to pick on him early. Arnold was out with a groin injury and Carlton Davis got hurt in the game, so if either of them has to miss another game, it could be a big problem. Whoever the Lions are playing will likely try to target Vildor if he is on the field, and his poor play could end up costing the Lions a game.
Final Thoughts
The Detroit Lions are now 10-1 for the first time since 1934, and if they win next week, they will be 11-1 for the first time in franchise history. Everything has been going the way of the Super Bowl favorites recently, and a big reason is their coach. Dan Campbell has instilled the right mindset in the players, making it seem like a Super Bowl is very much possible to the fans. Despite not playing their best, they still came out with a win vs the Colts, and that says a lot about the team. They have the potential to go very far, the question is will they?
