Pride Of Detroit - Lions vs. Jets, Week 15: Detroit pulls to .500 with huge, ugly winA Detroit Lions blog by Lions fans, for Lions fans.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51601/pod-fav.png2022-12-22T10:30:00-05:00http://www.prideofdetroit.com/rss/stream/232746962022-12-22T10:30:00-05:002022-12-22T10:30:00-05:00Lions vs. Jets Song of the Game: ‘On Fire’ by Lloyd Banks
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<figcaption>Photo by Lisa Lake/Getty Images for Roc Nation</figcaption>
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<p>The Lions keep their hot streak going, this time narrowly scraping by against a good Jets team on the road. </p> <p id="w505Qa">The <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a> are now winners of six of their last seven games and could be considered the hottest team in the NFL right now, depending on who you ask. Sunday’s game against the <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a> wasn’t quite the beatdown that we saw from the previous two weeks, but they got the job done against a difficult opponent on the road, and you can’t ask for much more than that. </p>
<h3 id="IfN25z">Detroit Lions Week 15 Song of the Game: “On Fire” by Lloyd Banks</h3>
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<p id="vJDTGW"><em>New York City</em><br><em>You are now rocking with the best</em></p>
<p id="xAgfpx">After defeating the Jets, the Lions get the clean sweep against New York teams on the road. </p>
<p id="szgDRQ">When the Jets got out to their 17-13 lead following a drive that ended in a missed field goal for the Lions... I’ll admit, it was starting to feel like another one of those close games that the Lions would surely lose. </p>
<p id="gknfMp">But they’ve learned from their mistakes, and we’re starting to see the true team that Dan Campbell had been preaching about now. The team that’s finally starting to shake off all that dirt on their jeans and win those ugly games. </p>
<p id="jQaFZe">Prior to their game against the Vikings, Dan Miller, Detroit’s radio play-by-by announcer <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2022/12/16/23512544/watch-dan-miller-speech-detroit-lions-epic-minnesota-vikings">summed up the current state of this team perfectly</a>. </p>
<blockquote><p id="ARIsVu">“Based on the way this team has played over the last five games, they’ve set a new standard for what should be expected from the <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/"><strong>Detroit Lions</strong></a>. It’s not about what’s happened in the past, it’s about what’s happening right here, right now. They’ve shown us what they’re capable of. They’re good enough to win this game if they play the way that they’re capable of playing.</p></blockquote>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">**deep breath**<br><br>Since Week 9, the Detroit Football Lions are....<br><br>4th in overall DVOA<br><br>7th in offensive DVOA<br> - 5th in pass O<br> - 16th in run O<br><br>10th in defensive DVOA<br> - 9th in pass D<br> - 9th in run D <br><br>Only the 49ers, Bengals and Bills have been better.</p>— Jeremy Reisman (@DetroitOnLion) <a href="https://twitter.com/DetroitOnLion/status/1605198781527597056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2022</a>
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<p id="zSCIft">This team has made such a miraculous turnaround, we went from talking about which quarterback to take with the first overall pick in the draft to expecting playoffs and for this team to beat any team they’re up against. </p>
<p id="JKPzxC"><em>Each week, we’ll be providing a Song of the Game to create a full-season playlist. You can listen to previous year’s soundtracks right here: </em><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/75xoLi8uGzVpFeodaKcCB0?si=LMtR0xVHR9K895c2Hjs1Pw"><em><strong>2016</strong></em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3asFzwwqoi5z0exf32xNdI?si=3lzDgYqkSlOmUng-JGMlrA"><em><strong>2017</strong></em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7AQectD97tysGdknKDDacp?si=RPCsJGH1QtuIgrcYoAaUEQ"><em><strong>2018</strong></em></a><em><strong>, </strong></em><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3FlD9I3Un18A5A5sURI14I"><em><strong>2019</strong></em></a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2EgifWpxnuwt8AjahYDmRQ?si=vsRMxW9wQ2yYkJazotcz-w"><strong>2020</strong></a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/15bP0SilcRSgqxtqYxaNPb?si=54ffd27d33f84006"><em><strong>2021</strong></em></a></p>
<p id="A0Qaar"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6eg5gZyKPUF5Ig3L344FhG?si=5b996249bcfd456b"><strong>You can find the 2022 playlist here</strong></a> (or below):</p>
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https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2022/12/22/23516727/lions-vs-jets-song-game-on-fire-by-lloyd-banksAlex Reno2022-12-22T09:00:00-05:002022-12-22T09:00:00-05:00WATCH: Isaiah Buggs’ leadership on display in mic’d up segment vs. Jets
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<figcaption>Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Isaiah Buggs has become the Detroit Lions’ emotional leader on defense, and that was on display when he was mic’d up against the Jets.</p> <p id="AjGeOC">Isaiah Buggs has quietly become one of the biggest vocal leaders on the <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a> defense this year. Once believed to be a minor signing at the very beginning of training camp, Buggs has now developed into a key player and key person in the Lions locker room. Combined with Alim McNeill, the Lions run defense has recently become a force, allowing just 3.8 yards per carry over the past four weeks (sixth-best). </p>
<p id="rWB0cJ">That defense was on display last Sunday against the <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a>. Buggs and company held Zonovan Knight and Michael Carter to just 38 rushing yards on 17 carries (2.2 YPC). </p>
<p id="Ln8vf0">In addition to that, Buggs was also mic’d up for the game, giving us an insight to the kind of leadership he has both in pregame speeches and on the sidelines during the game. The Lions posted a 13-minute video of the best highlights, radio calls, and mic’d up moments from Buggs in Week 15. Check it out:</p>
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<p id="hFYFyd">Here are the highlights:</p>
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<li id="XSWEcq">Taylor Decker’s pre-game speech</li>
<li id="hvGQKy">Buggs: “It’s only one thing on the menu today, boy, and that’s work.” </li>
<li id="cbr830">“I smacked his [censored] on the first play, though.” </li>
<li id="239e2b">“Hell of a [censored] play call, Ben Johnson.” </li>
<li id="MubO2e">“Assignment. Do your job. Don’t be a hero.” </li>
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<p id="pDJMsf">Overall, I think it’s fascinating to see Buggs, a 26-year-old who has only been with the team for five months, clearly take on a leadership role. He’s the first person addressing the team on the sidelines, he’s encouraging players left and right, and he’s clearly emotionally invested in everything.</p>
https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2022/12/22/23522315/watch-lions-isaiah-buggs-leadership-micd-up-segment-vs-jetsJeremy Reisman2022-12-21T11:00:00-05:002022-12-21T11:00:00-05:00Lions rookie film breakdown: Aidan Hutchinson, James Houston come up big vs. Jets
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<p>Examining how the Detroit Lions 2022 rookie class performed in Week 15 of the regular season.</p> <p id="CWYhum">Another week, another big performance from several <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a>’ rookies on their way to their sixth win in seven weeks. It wasn’t the prettiest performance of the season, but they found a way to win on the road, this time taking down the <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a> by a score of 20-17.</p>
<p id="ISZjhm">As part of our ongoing series, let’s take a closer look at how each member of the Lions’ 2022 draft class fared in their Week 15 win over the Jets.</p>
<h2 id="ewofQB"><strong>Aidan Hutchinson, DL</strong></h2>
<p id="OHfIZt">54 snaps (86% of total defensive snaps) — 4 special teams snaps (14%)<br><em>PFF defensive grade: 83.4</em></p>
<p id="DE3Pl5">I know he was the second overall pick in the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">2022 NFL draft</a>, but still—the fact that Hutchinson is already this consistent of a pro is pretty special. The pass rushing aspect of his game will come with time and consistently beating professional tackles is an art form that isn’t easily acquired. The other parts of his game? Well, those have been solid from the jump. </p>
<p id="o6ZEBO">Take this play on the Lions’ second defensive series for example. He squeezes down the line quickly, ensuring he is gap sound after the tackle climbs to the second level. Despite taking those steps inside to squeeze, he is still able to make the play on the ball carrier. Nobody is perfect, especially rookies, but Hutchinson has been about as good as you could hope for from a rookie defensive end who does a lot for his defense. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">excellent work from Hutch. <a href="https://t.co/EUcOmdT2Qq">pic.twitter.com/EUcOmdT2Qq</a></p>— Morgan Cannon (@MCannon313) <a href="https://twitter.com/MCannon313/status/1605335598541475840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2022</a>
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<p id="CTuGeq">Later on in the game, Hutchinson had a really impressive two-play sequence that resulted in a stop for a short gain on the ground, followed by the rookie out of Michigan drawing a holding call. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">impressive 2 play sequence from Hutch here in the 3rd quarter: a nice stop against the run and follows it up by drawing a holding call the next snap <a href="https://t.co/SBDAM4OaTz">pic.twitter.com/SBDAM4OaTz</a></p>— Morgan Cannon (@MCannon313) <a href="https://twitter.com/MCannon313/status/1605551659714613248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2022</a>
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<p id="BhpIix">What a comeback it was for defensive end Romeo Okwara, who tallied two sacks against the Jets during his return from an Achilles injury suffered in 2021. His second sack comes in the Jets’ final offensive series, and not without some help from his fellow defensive linemen. Hutchinson starts out lined up at the three-technique, with Romeo Okwara split outside of him, and Jets’ tighte end C.J. Uzomah. Hutchinson wins his matchup, forcing Jets’ quarterback Zach Wilson to step up in the pocket, right into the welcoming arms of Okwara. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">great rush from Hutch here on the Jets' final series. makes Wilson step up in the pocket, right into the arms of Romeo. <a href="https://t.co/aiQre9GbcB">pic.twitter.com/aiQre9GbcB</a></p>— Morgan Cannon (@MCannon313) <a href="https://twitter.com/MCannon313/status/1605574969014063112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2022</a>
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<p id="yQ5GwO">Hutchinson finished the day with five total tackles, including one for loss.</p>
<h2 id="6F5ImQ"><strong>Jameson Williams, WR</strong></h2>
<p id="N8wSnJ">13 (19%)<em> </em><br><em>PFF offensive grade: 53.3</em></p>
<p id="pu0PST">The Lions are opting to take a slower approach with Williams, and with how much talent he can bring to the Lions’ offense, both now and in the future—I wholeheartedly agree with them. </p>
<p id="1LntMS">Goff took one shot to Williams but left it short. Some will say it is a case of Goff not possessing the requisite arm strength, but I believe it is more so Goff getting on the same page with Williams. In the NFL, nearly everyone is fast. However, <em>very </em>few people run like Williams. Let’s give Goff some time to get in sync with the speedster out of Alabama before we make sweeping conclusions. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">yeah....i think Jamo is still pretty fast lol that man just has gears that other humans don't have <a href="https://t.co/jWOgpHR8MB">pic.twitter.com/jWOgpHR8MB</a></p>— Morgan Cannon (@MCannon313) <a href="https://twitter.com/MCannon313/status/1605346324785684481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2022</a>
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<h2 id="DoSocI"><strong>Josh Paschal, DL</strong></h2>
<p id="jYZy2Y">14 (22%)<br><em>PFF defensive grade: 54.1</em></p>
<p id="OLrMkl">With the front seven getting healthier, Paschal is another player the Lions can afford to take things slower with. With that said, I do think his usage increases over the final three weeks of the regular season. </p>
<h2 id="hZNhjQ"><strong>Kerby Joseph, S</strong></h2>
<p id="TqOuoz">63 (100%) — 10 (36%)<em> </em><br><em>PFF defensive grade: 53.6</em></p>
<p id="ZGrxef">Overall, this was a forgettable day for most of the Lions’ secondary. Sure, they did force one turnover, courtesy of an interception in the second half from cornerback Jerry Jacobs. But beyond that, Wilson threw several questionable passes that had turnover potential, only for them to somehow come down in the hands of a Jets’ receiver. </p>
<p id="M5eslm">On this play, Joseph ends up in man-to-man coverage with Uzomah, who releases right up the seam, and with a deceptive step with his left foot, gets Joseph to flip his hips. This is all Uzomah needs to create a bunch of separation, resulting in an easy throw for Wilson. Realizing he was beaten, Joseph tries making one last-ditch effort on the ball, but he was too late, sliding off of Uzomah, and allowing the walk-in score. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">not Kerby's best rep but to be fair, this was a really nice design and great route from Uzomah <a href="https://t.co/Bqzl3kvvKd">pic.twitter.com/Bqzl3kvvKd</a></p>— Morgan Cannon (@MCannon313) <a href="https://twitter.com/MCannon313/status/1605342761334767616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2022</a>
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<p id="ktggVH">With that covered, it wasn’t all bad for Joseph. Here is a rep where he flashes his elite athletic tools and closes the gap on a ball carrier in a hurry. Pre-snap, he is lined up as the deep safety, and before you know it—he has put his foot in the ground and is getting downhill to aid in run support. Linebacker Jarrad Davis makes a valiant diving effort, and cornerback Will Harris does a good job of setting an edge, but Jets’ running back Zonovan Knight is a tough person to get on the ground. He is almost out of Harris’ grasp when Joseph arrives, limiting Knight to a short gain, despite all of his efforts. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">2 fun examples of Kerby flying to the football. been fun to watch him develop. gotta take the good with the bad with a player this young <a href="https://t.co/z0eDVTu9mn">pic.twitter.com/z0eDVTu9mn</a></p>— Morgan Cannon (@MCannon313) <a href="https://twitter.com/MCannon313/status/1605561790342971392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2022</a>
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<p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/tTer486GXU">pic.twitter.com/tTer486GXU</a></p>— Morgan Cannon (@MCannon313) <a href="https://twitter.com/MCannon313/status/1605561943724462080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2022</a>
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<h2 id="RdHBJO"><strong>James Mitchell, TE</strong></h2>
<p id="b6KPEI">16 (24%) — 8 (29%)<br><em>PFF offensive grade: 51.2</em></p>
<p id="mlJChM">Mitchell got involved in the passing game early this week, with one of his two catches coming on the first series of the game. He begins the play in-line with right tackle Penei Sewell, with fellow tight end Shane Zylstra split-out to the right of Mitchell. Pre-snap, Zylstra shuffles to the left a few steps, and as the ball is being snapped, runs a route right at Jets’ linebacker Quincy Williams. Meanwhile, Mitchell is initially acting like he is going to stay in to help block defensive end John Franklin-Myers. Instead, he shucks Franklin-Myers inside, and whips his head around to become a target for quarterback Jared Goff. And because of Mitchell’s acting job, cornerback Sauce Gardner doesn’t pick up the Lions’ tight end as a receiver until it is too late. Easy throw for Goff and a first down for the Lions. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">James Mitchell sighting in the passing game <a href="https://t.co/CP771ZsGrr">pic.twitter.com/CP771ZsGrr</a></p>— Morgan Cannon (@MCannon313) <a href="https://twitter.com/MCannon313/status/1605580528673067014?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2022</a>
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<h2 id="zjRhBf"><strong>Malcolm Rodriguez, LB</strong></h2>
<p id="lbZDX0">36 (57%) — 4 (14%)<br><em>PFF defensive grade: 70.0</em></p>
<p id="xNMNQL">Statistically speaking, it was a quieter day for the Detroit Cowboy. He had two tackles during his 36 defensive snaps but had a handful of plays like this, where he was instrumental in the Lions’ run defense having another really sound week. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Malcolm doin Rodrigo tings <a href="https://t.co/XD7qN34RJB">pic.twitter.com/XD7qN34RJB</a></p>— Morgan Cannon (@MCannon313) <a href="https://twitter.com/MCannon313/status/1605334938659741697?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2022</a>
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<h2 id="dHzVDs"><strong>James Houston, LB</strong></h2>
<p id="w7DhXK">25 (40%) — 12 (43%)<br><em>PFF defensive grade: 65.3</em></p>
<p id="OB2RKY">This week was a bit different than the last few weeks for Houston. He still had a big day along the defensive line—racking up yet another sack, three quarterback hits, and three total tackles, including one for loss. However, his first huge play wasn’t on defense, but special teams. </p>
<p id="AyhwIw">Houston has been a core special teamer for several weeks now, as defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has begun to weave him into the edge rotation. On this particular punt, one that returner Kalif Raymond made a house call on, Houston was actually the closest to getting a hand on the ball, before throwing the final block that allows Raymond to score. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">James Houston. sacker of quarterbacks. thrower of blocks. da problem. <a href="https://t.co/egSGmEoVxd">pic.twitter.com/egSGmEoVxd</a></p>— Morgan Cannon (@MCannon313) <a href="https://twitter.com/MCannon313/status/1605334024494682113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2022</a>
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<p id="K065rR">Similar to Hutchinson’s sack a week ago, they don’t come much easier than this. All pass-rushers will tell you—you <em>always </em>take the free ones. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">they don't come a lot easier than this one for Houston <a href="https://t.co/XkVGh4BcEZ">pic.twitter.com/XkVGh4BcEZ</a></p>— Morgan Cannon (@MCannon313) <a href="https://twitter.com/MCannon313/status/1605338651030097922?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2022</a>
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<p id="6xwIbe">With the sample size we now have with Houston as a pass-rusher, I really am beginning to think that his ghost rush move is simply not blockable. Watch as he makes short work of the left tackle on his way to forcing a hurried throw from Wilson. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">at this point, we gotta call things for what they are.<br><br>James Houston's ghost rush is lethal and that is all there is to say about it <a href="https://t.co/2LemZjTRGs">pic.twitter.com/2LemZjTRGs</a></p>— Morgan Cannon (@MCannon313) <a href="https://twitter.com/MCannon313/status/1605564759977250817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2022</a>
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https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2022/12/21/23518863/detroit-lions-week-15-rookie-film-breakdown-aidan-hutchinson-james-houston-days-new-york-jetsMorgan Cannon2022-12-20T14:30:00-05:002022-12-20T14:30:00-05:00Notes: Sauce Gardner mad Detroit Lions completely avoided him
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<p>Jared Goff didn’t throw Sauce Gardner’s way once on Sunday. The Jets cornerback is still mad about it. </p> <p id="eg9iEm">On Sunday against the <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a>, <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a> quarterback Jared Goff did not attempt a single pass in the direction of rookie cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner. Goff dropped back to pass 38 times in the game but chose not to challenge the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">2022 NFL Draft</a> fourth overall pick. Since 2017, only three NFL cornerbacks had more coverage snaps in a game without a target, <a href="https://twitter.com/NextGenStats/status/1604963634257358848">per NextGenStats</a>. </p>
<p id="fTiiqP">For some, that may be considered a badge of honor. After all, by forcing Goff to avoid him all day, Gardner was obviously a key factor in holding Detroit’s two starting outside receivers—Josh Reynolds and DJ Chark—to just one catch and 18 yards. But talking to the media on Monday, Gardner wasn’t honored by the gesture. In fact, he was kind of pissed.</p>
<p id="ElXKVF">“Yesterday I wasn’t targeted, and I took that personally because I wanted to make a bigger and better impact on the game,” Gardner said. </p>
<p id="FgmWvN">This one meant a little more to Gardner because he is from Detroit. He won a high school state championship in Detroit. He was hoping to make an impact play to all of his friends watching from his hometown. </p>
<p id="aphbZV">“You guys were asking me throughout the whole week if it was personal, and I was really saying it wasn’t, but the day before the game when I had people from my hometown calling me and stuff like that, that made it kind of personal,” Gardner said. “I was saying I was going to get my first pick-six against the Lions. I was going to do this, I was going to do that, but I didn’t get targeted, so I really didn’t get the opportunity.”</p>
<p id="BAUoY8">Eventually, Gardner did admit it was a badge of honor for Goff to have avoided him all game, but still wished he could’ve had the opportunity to make a bigger impact on the game. </p>
<p id="UA6nql"><a href="https://youtu.be/-icH7A-8hoA">You can watch the entire presser here.</a> </p>
<p id="QM5H4H"></p>
<ul><li id="GPFuS9">Taylor Decker has <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2021/11/15/22783786/taylor-decker-tired-bullshit-narratives-toughness-trade-piece-media">vented his frustrations in the past</a> about the way some media and fans have treated him in the past (see: trade discussion). But after Sunday’s win, Decker sent a message of gratitude to the One Pride nation: </li></ul>
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<p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/20F1E3XYVp">pic.twitter.com/20F1E3XYVp</a></p>— Taylor Decker (@__taylordecker) <a href="https://twitter.com/__taylordecker/status/1604650317114753024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2022</a>
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<ul><li id="f1tu7I">Solid film breakdown from Justin Rogers on <a href="https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2022/12/20/film-review-how-the-jets-held-the-lions-offense-in-check-until-final-play/69743132007/">why the Lions offense struggled vs. the Jets.</a> </li></ul>
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<ul><li id="4Zmm0R">James Houston got a little love on “Good Morning Football” on Tuesday: </li></ul>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Who were the top rookies of Week 15?<a href="https://twitter.com/PSchrags?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PSchrags</a>' Fabulous 5⃣:<br><br>1) <a href="https://twitter.com/Giants?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Giants</a> LB <a href="https://twitter.com/kayvont?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kayvont</a> <br>2) <a href="https://twitter.com/49ers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@49ers</a> QB <a href="https://twitter.com/brockpurdy13?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@brockpurdy13</a> <br>3) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lions?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Lions</a> LB James Houston<br>4) <a href="https://twitter.com/Titans?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Titans</a> CB <a href="https://twitter.com/Rogerjamez?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Rogerjamez</a> <br>5) <a href="https://twitter.com/Commanders?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Commanders</a> WR <a href="https://twitter.com/JahanDotson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JahanDotson</a> <a href="https://t.co/2N193cdM1h">pic.twitter.com/2N193cdM1h</a></p>— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) <a href="https://twitter.com/gmfb/status/1605215443504857088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2022</a>
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<ul><li id="7suqpn">Kalif Raymond—once a Jet who was cut for muffing punts—had one of the best redemption stories of the week after returning a punt for a touchdown vs. New York. <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F4019175%2F2022%2F12%2F20%2Fkalif-raymond-lions-punt-return-td%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.prideofdetroit.com%2F2022%2F12%2F20%2F23518843%2Fjets-cb-sauce-gardner-mad-detroit-lions-completely-avoided-him" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">The Athletic’s Colton Pouncy has more on that story.</a>
</li></ul>
<p id="IjYvSw"></p>
<ul><li id="kW38uK">A couple of former Lions players are ready to show up if Detroit finishes its improbable playoff run: </li></ul>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">I’ll go too</p>— Kenny Wiggins (@KennyWiggins60) <a href="https://twitter.com/KennyWiggins60/status/1604696219913138177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2022</a>
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<p id="brMuVU"></p>
<ul><li id="r7e4dp">
<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/jared-goff-could-have-pouted-when-the-rams-jettisoned-him-instead-hes-led-the-lions-to-the-verge-of-the-playoffs-204721401.html">Dan Wetzel of Yahoo Sports has a nice column</a> on Jared Goff weathering the emotional storm of the Rams trade and now leading the Lions into improbable territory. </li></ul>
<p id="Fcb5JJ"></p>
<ul><li id="ISIxGw">A bit of housekeeping: Tom Kennedy is back with the Lions. Kennedy has signed to Detroit’s practice squad after the team waived him on Saturday. </li></ul>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Lions?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Lions</a> have re-signed WR Tom Kennedy to the Practice Squad</p>— Detroit Lions (@Lions) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lions/status/1605247906138755079?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2022</a>
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https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2022/12/20/23518843/jets-cb-sauce-gardner-mad-detroit-lions-completely-avoided-himJeremy Reisman2022-12-20T11:00:00-05:002022-12-20T11:00:00-05:00Key PFF stats: Lions figure out a new way to win in New York
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<img alt="Detroit Lions v New York Jets" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fLZ8QpLv_SqZ_ZWfA_4brcPIIqo=/0x0:3275x2183/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71773013/1450113693.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Detroit went into this matchup knowing it was going to be a different kind of test against this Jets defense, but the Lions came prepared to outlast New York.</p> <p id="eOOkOw">Another week, another win for this surging <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a> team that, as Dan Campbell said in his postgame locker room speech, <a href="https://twitter.com/Lions/status/1604642262884814848?s=20&t=dHnGHHAA_dxTplazgZLteQ">“is figuring out a way to win, and that’s what winners do.”</a></p>
<p id="uk554h">Yeah, it’s cliche, but what’s at the heart of Campbell’s point isn’t: this football team, which got off to a 1-6 start, is figuring out ways to win football games this late into the season they couldn’t have pulled off during that disappointing start. And some other things are still getting figured out—like what distance Campbell can trust Michael Badgley kicking from with the game in the balance. </p>
<p id="17nCCb">No, they don’t have it all figured out. The run game needs a shot in the arm—it feels like it’s been forever since those explosive run plays earlier in the season—and the secondary has been leaky for a couple weeks in a row now—save for <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fvimeo.com%2F402278162&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.prideofdetroit.com%2F2022%2F12%2F20%2F23518010%2Flions-jets-key-pff-stats-lions-figure-out-a-new-way-to-win-in-new-york" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Santa bringing it early</a> for Jerry Jacobs. But they’re figuring out ways to win. Fourth-and-inches drawn up for Brock Wright, the guy who dropped a pass earlier that same drive. Penei Sewell reporting as eligible and <a href="https://twitter.com/minakimes/status/1602712874346061825?s=20&t=k9F9AXfVolhn8hOPigQCww">giving the world a chance to capture his greatness</a>. In critical moments, things are coming up Lions right now, and it’s testament to the way this young team has started to put it together when it needs to get done.</p>
<p id="jPrPyy">As we do every week for this <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/"><strong>Detroit Lions</strong></a> team, we have some data courtesy of Pro Football Focus that can help us better understand the football the Lions have played thus far—and how they’ll continue to play from here on out. Let’s take a closer look at the Lions by the numbers after their win over the <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a> in Week 15.</p>
<p id="XQL2Tv"><em>Pro Football Focus’ premium statistics are an invaluable data point for football fans to better understand the game. </em><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?xcust=___sb__p_23269621__t_w__r_prideofdetroit.com/autho&id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https://www.pff.com/subscribe&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2022/9/20/23361047/detroit-lions-washington-commanders-key-stats-pff-pass-rush-week-2" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><em><strong>Consider subscribing to PFF to have full access to a plethora of stats and grades to keep you informed about the NFL—and college football, too.</strong></em></a></p>
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<h3 id="r70IFc">4, 26.7</h3>
<p id="3TulO1">During the pre-draft process, Aidan Hutchinson’s relatively high floor was usually mentioned in the same breath as his adept play in run defense. At the very least, Hutchinson’s motor was going to make him a player against the run, but drafting a player with the second overall pick, the hope is that the guy can get to the quarterback.</p>
<p id="DNzbdS">Hutchinson has done his fair share of getting after the quarterback—he has the most quarterback pressures and sacks of any EDGE defender in the 2022 rookie class—but he’s more than living up to the reputation that preceded him as a run defender. The Lions held a Jets team that was averaging 4.5 yards per carry and 118 rushing yards per game to just 2.3 yards per carry and 50 total rushing yards.</p>
<p id="I2WWHp"><strong>Four defensive stops in run defense</strong> and a <strong>26.7 percent stop percentage</strong> (the percentage of a player’s run defense snaps where he was responsible for a stop) from Hutchinson shows the big role he played in Detroit’s success as a team grounding the Jets rushing attack. His stop percentage was the highest of any EDGE defender in Week 15 with at least 16 run defense snaps.</p>
<h3 id="LgAsCh">78.8, 0</h3>
<p id="1VGDWP">There’s been no more divisive a topic amongst fans than Jared Goff’s future with the Lions even though all signs and actions point towards this regime believing in him to be ‘the guy.’ Over Detroit’s hot streak, Goff has put up some especially impressive numbers and been responsible with the football. One of those things these Lions have learned over the past few weeks is how costly a turnover can be, and Goff’s safety he took against the Bills on Thanksgiving was the last time he made a mistake—and it just so happens to be the last time the Lions lost a game.</p>
<p id="7EEWi0">The Jets had forced 18 turnovers through 13 games, but Goff never made a mistake. His <strong>78.8 percent adjusted completion percentage</strong> was the seventh-best mark of the week—Lions receivers were credited with a league-high three drops in Week 15—and Goff’s <strong>zero turnovers </strong>was just another example of a player figuring out how they can help their team win. He comes with his set of limitations as a quarterback, but he’s playing within those limits, and we can all agree Goff is better at being the guy he is rather than trying to be more than his skillset allows.</p>
<h3 id="JcH024">5, 35.7, 42.9</h3>
<p id="yKdKTd">An area where many had their doubts and concerns coming into the 2022 season for the Detroit Lions was with the linebacker room. The Lions added a sixth-round rookie in Malcolm Rodriguez and brought back former first-round pick Jarrad Davis, but for the most part, this was the group the Lions struggled with a year ago, and Detroit was counting on improvement instead of replacement.</p>
<p id="3m5xY0">Nobody in that room has had quite the turnaround from a year ago like Alex Anzalone.</p>
<p id="SuJVkj">Anzalone’s missed tackle percentage (21.2) last season was the worst among qualifying linebackers, but this season, Anzalone’s 12.5 percent missed tackle percentage is a massive improvement from a year ago. In addition to his improvement as a tackler, Anzalone’s being used in more pass rushing situations this season, and it’s to the benefit of both him and the defense.</p>
<p id="R3QljZ">Last year, Anzalone had 63 pass rushing snaps and four quarterback pressures in total. This season, Anzalone’s 81 pass rushing snaps have resulted in 20 quarterback pressures. In Week 15 against the Jets, Anzalone had seven pass rushing snaps and generated <strong>five quarterback pressures </strong>(outproducing his entire 2021 season), had a <strong>35.7 pass rushing productivity </strong>mark (a PFF formula that combines sacks, hits and hurries relative to how many times they rush the passer), and <strong>42.9 win percentage </strong>(percentage of “wins” vs blocking on non-penalty pass rush snaps). In Week 15, Anzalone was first among all qualifying linebackers in those pass rushing statistics.</p>
<h3 id="a2f9Bd">14, 125, 20.8</h3>
<p id="9rHxa0">When Zach Wilson was announced as the starter for the Jets in Week 15, plenty of Lions fans let out a sigh of relief. Wilson went on to throw the ball all around the field for a total of 317 yards on just 18 completions. It was big play after big play and no cornerback struggled in coverage as much as the team’s No. 1 corner, Jeff Okudah.</p>
<p id="L1lj4X">Okudah was<strong> targeted 14 times</strong>, allowed six receptions for <strong>125 yards </strong>and <strong>20.8 yards per reception </strong>against the Jets, his roughest outing of the season. Among qualifying cornerbacks in Week 15, Okudah was the most-targeted cornerback, allowed the second-most receiving yards, and allowed the second-most yards per reception of any cornerback who allowed at least three catches.</p>
<p id="FjQxkL">His comeback season has had plenty to celebrate, especially his contributions as a run defender—Okudah had the second-highest run defense grade per PFF for Detroit in Week 15—but this week, reserve receiver Jeff Smith got the best of the former third overall pick.</p>
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https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2022/12/20/23518010/lions-jets-key-pff-stats-lions-figure-out-a-new-way-to-win-in-new-yorkRyan Mathews2022-12-20T08:30:00-05:002022-12-20T08:30:00-05:00WATCH: Best local radio calls from Detroit Lions vs. New York Jets
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<p>Take a peek inside the Lions radio booth during the most critical moments of the Detroit Lions’ win over the New York Jets. </p> <p id="VTlheB">You’ve already heard the <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2022/12/19/23516377/watch-detroit-lions-radio-call-game-winning-touchdown-jets-brock-wright-dan-miller">radio call of the </a><a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a>’ brilliant game-winning touchdown play, but if you’re like me, that’s not enough Dan Miller in your life this week.</p>
<p id="xOjEeX">Thankfully, the Lions are continuing their tradition of posting the best radio calls from Miller and his color commentator Lomas Brown after every win, and this week is no different. The added benefit of the Lions’ compilation is that this year they’ve added a camera inside the radio booth, allowing us to get a peek into all of Miller’s mannerisms and also the process of how the radio team works together. You also get a feeling of the general energy inside the room during the game’s most pivotal moments.</p>
<p id="OnRiRG">And this week is a doozy. </p>
<p id="eVz8AQ">The Lions picked up a dramatic win over the <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a> in a game that certainly could have gone either way. So it’s awesome to see the entire room explode when Brock Wright took a Jared Goff pass for 51 yards and the go-ahead score with less than two minutes remaining. It’s also extremely relatable to see Miller—at the end of the game—at a bit of a loss of words after an emotional rollercoaster. That’s when he delivers perhaps his best line of the video:</p>
<p id="AyM0Kt">“I don’t know if I should tell you guys to breathe or tell myself to breathe. Let’s all take a breath.” </p>
<p id="ZOJCll">Catch all of the best moments—and Miller’s best calls—from Sunday’s big win below:</p>
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https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2022/12/20/23518513/watch-best-local-radio-calls-detroit-lions-win-new-york-jets-dan-millerJeremy Reisman2022-12-19T20:00:00-05:002022-12-19T20:00:00-05:00Notes: What they’re saying about the Lions after big win over Jets
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<p>Detroit’s getting nods left and right these days.</p> <p id="hNRdTs">In the past few years, the <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a> would be virtually invisible to the rest of the NFL world.</p>
<p id="0hqRG3">While us fans would continue to spend our Sundays watching meaningless games late into December, the Lions would be off the national radar. That is far from the case this season.</p>
<p id="Y21KVx">After an ugly but gritty win over the <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a> on Sunday, all eyes are on the boys in the Honolulu Blue as they hang on the verge of making the playoffs.</p>
<p id="0h78bE">In his weekly <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-15-winners-and-losers-plus-weekly-grades-for-every-team-and-rams-packers-mnf-picks/"><strong>list of overreactions and reality checks</strong></a>, CBS Sports’ Jeff Kerr says the Lions making the playoffs is a reality.</p>
<p id="T6i00M">“No matter who wins between Washington or New York, Detroit getting at least nine wins is a reality now. The Lions may even finish 10-7 with the way they are playing,” he wrote.</p>
<p id="52H6aO">Good Morning Football gave a shout out to Brock Wright’s big play. “Everything is coming up Brock,” said Jamie Erdahl. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Time to give the <a href="https://twitter.com/Lions?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Lions</a> and Brock Wright some major props <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YearoftheBrock?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YearoftheBrock</a><a href="https://twitter.com/JamieErdahl?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JamieErdahl</a> <a href="https://t.co/YpX8do9dMF">pic.twitter.com/YpX8do9dMF</a></p>— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) <a href="https://twitter.com/gmfb/status/1604834093564166144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2022</a>
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<p id="tkQouF">Of course there’s a Baldy Breakdown on that exact play, describing it as “call of the year.”</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/Lions?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Lions</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BrockWright?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BrockWright</a> 51 yd TD winner…Call of the year for Ben Johnson OC! All or Nothing! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/onepride?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#onepride</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BaldysBreakdowns?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BaldysBreakdowns</a> <a href="https://t.co/lKgJsSCvYo">pic.twitter.com/lKgJsSCvYo</a></p>— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/BaldyNFL/status/1604893655285710848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2022</a>
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<p id="fWfIwP">NFL.com’s Adam Schein ranked the Lions’ win sixth on his <a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/ranking-nfl-s-wow-moments-from-wild-week-15-vikings-historic-comeback-pats-calam"><strong>Schein Nine</strong></a> under the header “Detroit ain’t Lion.”</p>
<p id="X7QLey">“The Jets’ defense is no joke. Jared Goff and the Lions’ prolific offense were stuck in the mud, with six points scored in the first 58 minutes of game action. But Dan Campbell’s team never quits. These are <em>NOT</em> the same old Lions. They have flair, they have heart and they most definitely have guts,” he wrote.</p>
<p id="1FQNGw"><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnbaldoni/2022/12/19/the-detroit-lions-playing-hard-winning-and-maybe/?sh=1dca79f968c1">Writing for Forbes</a>, John Baldoni wrote about how this team is just built different. </p>
<p id="LOIJmV">“The Lions are a lesson for any team, department, or organization that becomes accustomed to underperforming. So how do you right the ship? Well, you get the right people on board and let them go,” he said.</p>
<p id="nOgMdA">Plus, a shoutout to the Lions’ insane rookie class from ESPN’s Field Yates. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Lions DE James Houston has become the 3rd rookie since sacks were created in 1982 to record a sack in each of his first four career games.<br><br>The <a href="https://twitter.com/Lions?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Lions</a> now have the top 2 sack leaders amongst rookies: Aidan Hutchinson (7.0) and Houston (5.0).<br><br>Their 2022 draft class looks awesome. <a href="https://t.co/41ZAhG5f2n">pic.twitter.com/41ZAhG5f2n</a></p>— Field Yates (@FieldYates) <a href="https://twitter.com/FieldYates/status/1604824463115448320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2022</a>
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<p id="pVOQwW">And more!</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Do the Detroit Lions make the playoff ? Looking at rest of schedule . I’ve become a Lions fan this year and my Trojan is balling!</p>— Matt Leinart (@MattLeinartQB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MattLeinartQB/status/1604604672915828736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2022</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Let’s GOOOOO <a href="https://twitter.com/Lions?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LIONS</a>!!!!!!! Detroit Vs Everybody. <a href="https://t.co/eKsCBCnMP4">pic.twitter.com/eKsCBCnMP4</a></p>— Jalen Rose (@JalenRose) <a href="https://twitter.com/JalenRose/status/1604587584520216576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2022</a>
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<p id="NHRMAZ">And onto the rest of your notes.</p>
<ul><li id="hNNKIh">
<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/jared-goff-could-have-pouted-when-the-rams-jettisoned-him-instead-hes-led-the-lions-to-the-verge-of-the-playoffs-204721401.html"><strong>Great piece from Yahoo Sports columnist Dan Wetzel</strong></a><strong> </strong>on how Jared Goff could’ve let his departure from the <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a> tank his career. Instead, he’s leading the Lions to the verge of the playoffs.</li></ul>
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<ul><li id="KAikiB">These stats we’ll take.</li></ul>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Longest active streak of consecutive games with a takeaway<a href="https://twitter.com/Lions?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Lions</a> 13<br>Packers 7<br>49ers 6<br>4 teams tied 4 <a href="https://t.co/VaUhmHSS7t">pic.twitter.com/VaUhmHSS7t</a></p>— NFL on CBS (@NFLonCBS) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLonCBS/status/1604948939064725513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2022</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/Lions?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Lions</a> QB <a href="https://twitter.com/JaredGoff16?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JaredGoff16</a> has not thrown an INT in 219 consecutive passes. This establishes a new franchise record and serves as the longest active streak in the <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NFL</a>.<br><br>He is the first Lions QB to go 6-straight starts without producing a turnover.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OnePride?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OnePride</a> <a href="https://t.co/CpNKIUFfof">pic.twitter.com/CpNKIUFfof</a></p>— Detroit Lions PR (@LionsPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/LionsPR/status/1604962161402564618?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2022</a>
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<ul><li id="EoGnro">The Detroit Free Press’ Marlowe Alter has more on <a href="https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2022/12/19/detroit-lions-nfl-playoffs/69740016007/"><strong>what they’re saying about the Lions</strong></a>, including a debate on ESPN’s “Get Up.”</li></ul>
<p id="KIZMls"></p>
<ul><li id="HOJgkK">Also from “Good Morning Football,” a Lions fan running drills with his wife in the parking lot made their list of Hidden Highlights.</li></ul>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">HIDDEN HIGHLIGHTS <br><br> Sideline view of Josh Allen celebrating <br> <a href="https://twitter.com/Eagles?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Eagles</a> 2-PT conversion<br> Justin Fields "almost TD" run<br> Lions fan doing drills with his wife <a href="https://t.co/1BvLZQfgTs">pic.twitter.com/1BvLZQfgTs</a></p>— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) <a href="https://twitter.com/gmfb/status/1604922013398626304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2022</a>
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https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2022/12/19/23517804/detroit-lions-national-attention-new-york-jets-winKellie Rowe2022-12-19T15:30:00-05:002022-12-19T15:30:00-05:00Snap counts: Lions edge rushers settling into roles
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<figcaption>Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>A closer look at the snap counts from the Detroit Lions’ 20-17 victory over the New York Jets in Week 15.</p> <p id="3PYSoW">Here is a closer look at the <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a>’ snap counts from their decisive Week 15 victory over the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">New York Jets</a>, along with some thoughts on what they may mean going forward.</p>
<h3 id="vZIZ4x"><strong>Offense</strong></h3>
<p id="MkmQcg"><strong>Quarterbacks</strong></p>
<p id="swi5b9">Jared Goff: 68 (100% of offensive snaps)</p>
<p id="SfjKxJ"><strong>Running backs</strong></p>
<p id="wWS22k">D’Andre Swift: 27 (40%)<br>Justin Jackson: 22 (32%) — 19 special teams snaps (68%)<br>Jamaal Williams: 21 (31%)<br>Jason Cabinda: 10 (15%) — 13 (46%)</p>
<p id="e0wpGn">Swift has settled back in as RB1 for the Lions, and while the stat sheet speaks to an increase in efficiency, the eye test still leaves something to be desired. Swift’s natural instinct to move laterally in a scheme that is designed to run north and south continues to work against each other. On more than one occasion against the Jets, Swift had daylight and a blocker in front of him, but instead of taking what was there, he tried for the bigger play and ended up not maximizing his opportunity. </p>
<p id="J4BFtx">Jackson and Williams are much better at following their blocks and finishing runs, but they lack Swift's explosiveness. If the Lions hope to get the running game back on track, it starts with Swift maximizing his runs and then setting up the bigger backs to wear defenses down.</p>
<p id="fvodze"><strong>Tight ends</strong></p>
<p id="K4l3Kp">Brock Wright: 32 (47%) — 8 (29%)<br>Shane Zylstra: 25 (37%) — 3 (11%)<br>James Mitchell: 16 (24%) — 8 (29%)</p>
<p id="NGYqRv">Wright was the hero of Week 15, but this group as a whole only received five targets on the day. Furthermore, when the targets do go to the tight ends way, it’s typically for short gains. Zylstra caught his one pass for four yards, Mitchell caught both of his targets for a total of 12 yards, and both of Wrights were designs for short gains—fortunately, he was able to turn the last one into a 51-yard house call.</p>
<p id="02V4CZ"><strong>Wide receivers</strong></p>
<p id="Wilh1i">Amon-Ra St. Brown: 57 (84%)<br>DJ Chark: 52 (76%)<br>Josh Reynolds: 40 (59%)<br>Kalif Raymond: 20 (29%) — 6 (21%)<br>Jameson Williams: 13 (19%)</p>
<p id="3nJDkc">The Lions continue to take it slow with Williams, as he matched his snap count from last week. There is really no rush for the Lions to push him too much at this stage, but most expect these numbers to increase over the final three games. The top three options pretty much stayed true, while Raymond saw his snaps increase as the Lions road his hot hands.</p>
<p id="DKjvhw"><strong>Offensive tackles</strong></p>
<p id="kp0ysw">Taylor Decker: 68 (100%)<br>Penei Sewell: 68 (100%) — 5 (18%)<br>Dan Skipper: 3 (4%) — 5 (18%)<br>Matt Nelson: 2 (3%) — 5 (18%)</p>
<p id="sSaOaV">The Lions continue to get creative with how they use their sixth offensive linemen sets and you have to think there is some long-term gamesmanship going on. Another trick play could be in the works down the stretch.</p>
<p id="l07csy"><strong>Guards/centers</strong></p>
<p id="o0mwRe">Frank Ragnow: 68 (100%)<br>Jonah Jackson: 68 (100%) — 5 (18%)<br>Evan Brown: 68 (100%) — 5 (18%)<br>Logan Stenberg: 0 (0%) — 5 (18%)</p>
<p id="bno4ej">Welcome back, Evan Brown. </p>
<p id="HX2sx2"><strong>Defense</strong></p>
<p id="JeZ5uc"><strong>DT:</strong></p>
<p id="6aFsoV">Isaiah Buggs: 36 (57%)<br>Alim McNeill: 31 (49%)<br>Benito Jones: 16 (25%) — 4 (14%)</p>
<p id="nMoYS9">Buggs continues to make a case for an offseason extension. Over his three seasons in Pittsburgh, only once did he have a five-game stretch as good as the one he is having right now in Detroit. </p>
<p id="hkaYPD">McNeill had a few fewer snaps than normal, but his impact was felt when he was on the field, earning PFF’s second-highest grade among all Lions defenders. </p>
<p id="TIiBoU"><strong>EDGE:</strong></p>
<p id="pnLUpB">Aidan Hutchinson: 54 (86%) — 4 (14%)<br>John Cominsky: 51 (81%) — 4 (14%)<br>Romeo Okwara: 26 (41%) — 3 (10%)<br>James Houston: 25 (40%) — 12 (43%)<br>Josh Paschal: 14 (22%)</p>
<p id="qasRbi">PFF’s highest-graded Lions defender was—no surprise—Hutchinson, whose balanced skill set makes him an impact player on a weekly basis. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Aidan Hutchinson earned the Lions' highest PFF grade on defense vs. the Jets (83.4)<br><br>Since Week 11, his PFF grade is 89.5, which is FOURTH among ALL NFL EDGE defenders.</p>— Jeremy Reisman (@DetroitOnLion) <a href="https://twitter.com/DetroitOnLion/status/1604876491325669376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2022</a>
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<p id="FPW4Rv">Cominsky continues to prove he belongs in a starting role, Okwara has settled in at a higher snap count—and the production is definitely returning after a two-sack performance—and Paschal’s role has held steady since his return from injury.</p>
<p id="aXvuRX">The surprising news here is that Houston’s role is growing, and wouldn’t you know it, he recorded another sack—his fifth in four games.</p>
<p id="c2hE1J"><strong>Linebackers</strong></p>
<p id="77wUgC">Alex Anzalone: 62 (98%)<br>Malcolm Rodriguez: 36 (57%) — 4 (14%)<br>Chris Board: 10 (16%) — 23 (82%)<br>Jarrad Davis: 10 (16%) — 9 (32%)<br>Anthony Pittman: 5 (8%) — 23 (82%)<br>Josh Woods: 0 (0%) — 23 (82%)</p>
<p id="ufTj0D">With Derrick Barnes injured, this is close to the same splits the Lions have used over the past two games. Anzalone is rarely leaving the field and playing some of the best football of his career, and a valuable contributor to the Lions defensive resurgence. Rodriguez continues to live just over 50% since his elbow injury, but this could also be some rookie-wall management.</p>
<p id="1jyCUW">Davis is out of game-day elevations, so it’ll be interesting to see if he gets a promotion to the active roster, if Barnes remains out due to injury. A player like Austin Bryant, who has been a healthy scratch the last several games, may not be as valuable to the team as Davis right now.</p>
<p id="lEaFW1"><strong>Cornerbacks</strong></p>
<p id="EBoUnN">Jeff Okudah: 62 (98%)<br>Jerry Jacobs: 62 (98%) — 8 (29%)<br>Will Harris: 61 (97%)<br>Amani Oruwariye: 1 (2%) — 6 (21%)<br>Mike Hughes: 0 (0%) — 16 (57%)</p>
<p id="UT4fWg">With Okudah and Harris back to full health, the Lions leaned on their nickel package quite a bit in this game. Jacobs continues to be a locked-in starter and was rewarded for his hard work with his first career interception against the Jets. With the starting trio all available, Hughes was relegated back to a reserve role.</p>
<p id="QpuJkG"><strong>Safety</strong></p>
<p id="ew7pqK">Kerby Joseph: 63 (100%) — 10 (36%)<br>DeShon Elliott: 39 (62%)<br>C.J. Moore: 29 (46%) — 23 (82%)<br>Ifeatu Melifonwu: 0 (0%) — 19 (68%)</p>
<p id="t96P48">With Elliott getting injured early in the second half, the Lions needed to turn to Moore to fill in and he did an admirable job. Coach Dan Campbell didn’t have an update on Elliott following the game, but if he needs to miss any time, Moore should be the next man up. Melifonwu continues to spend his days adapting to the position change after missing nearly all of the offseason due to injury.</p>
<p id="hbtXmf"><strong>Special teams</strong></p>
<p id="TuMNiv">Jack Fox: 15 (54%)<br>Scott Daly: 9 (32%)<br>Michael Badgley: 5 (18%)</p>
<p id="62dgO8">After being perfect for the majority of the season, Badgley has now missed a field goal in three of the last four games. This one was very challenging, from 54 yards on a cold winter day, but that could be a good thing as now the coaching staff knows his limitations.</p>
https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2022/12/19/23516883/detroit-lions-snap-counts-jets-week-15-edge-rushers-rolesErik Schlitt