Week 3, 2019 Detroit Lions @ Philadelphia Eagles

Just Enough

The 2-0-1 Detroit Lions narrowly defeated the 1-2 Philadelphia Eagles 27-24. It was an edge of the seat type of a game where the Lions could have won (as in put the game away) a number of times, or got behind and eventually lose a number of times, right up to the final seconds of the game. Mistakes were made by both teams, and mistakes were made by many a Lion at different points in the game. It was not a sure thing at any time and it was not a clean game. It was just enough, barely.

Matthew Stafford was 18 of 32 (56.25%) for 201 yards and a TD with no INT and perhaps most importantly for the offensive line, no sacks. While the completion percentage was down from where I'd prefer it to be, and there were some errant throws, there were also times when it was better to throw it away... besides, Stafford's numbers for this game are nearly identical to Rodgers stats in their Denver game (that they won today) so it's hard to point a mean finger at the QB even if there are definitely things he needs to clear up if they are to have any hope next week. The run game resulted in 86 yards total, but 44 of those came from one play by McKissic.

The Lions defense allowed Carson Wentz to complete 19 of 36 passes (52.78%) for 259 yards and 2 TDs and no INTs. There was 127 yards rushing allowed as well. However, there was a couple of fumble recoveries and a couple of sacks that, along with penalties, both helped and hurt the Lions cause. Overall it was just enough for a win.

I could rag some more on the coaches, but the team had the odds of losing set at 7.5 so to get a win, even if it got close and was at times kind of ugly, is a victory, as in, just enough of a decent game plan to make it work.

Next week the Lions have the 3-0 Kansas City Chiefs coming to town, a team that just beat the pretty decent defense of the Baltimore Ravens today. The Lions are going to need some top notch play from the O, D and special teams (along with coaching) to do just enough to win that game... and even then it might not be enough. Let's just say I'm not placing any bets on the Lions next week.