Detroit Lions Defense Defends the Den; Defeats Green Bay Packers 19-7
Sep 21, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive end George Johnson (93) celebrates during the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
The Detroit Lions defense came through in a big way on Sunday behind a well-designed, Teryl Austin game plan.
The D
Up front, the defensive line was a hindrance to Aaron Rodgers all game long. They were able to hold the former NFL MVP to only 162 yards passing and one score.
Much deserved credit also goes to Darius Slay, Rashean Mathis, and the rest of the Lions banged up secondary for keeping Jordy Nelson and Co. in check.
Green Bay’s offense managed just 153 yards of total offense in the first three-quarters and 223 for the game. They did not have a reception of more than 20-plus yards all game. They also only averaged 3.5 YPC.
The #Lions shut down the #Packers with Darius Slay, 94 year old Reseda Mathis, a street FA signed this week, and a UDFA. #Coaching
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) September 21, 2014
The Lions D set the tone right from the get-go when Don Carey recovered an Eddie Lacy fumble and returned it 40 yards for a touchdown. They also recorded a safety. The played so well that they were able to overcome three turnovers from the offense and still allow just seven points.
On the Offensive Side
Offensively, the Lions were persistent with their desire to run the ball against Dom Capers 4-3 defense, that had struggled against the run entering week 3. That persistence pay off big for Detroit as Reggie Bush ran for 61 yards including a big 26-yard run late for the Lions lone offensive score of the contest.
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Quarterback Matthew Stafford threw two first-half interceptions and had a ball stripped from him inside the Packers 10-yard line in the third quarter.
The offense may have had their struggles in this one, but they were able to convert three third downs and take all 6:54 off the clock to preserve the win.
Props to Teryl Austin
What a game plan Austin had coming in. Despite sereval key injuries in the secondary and losing his middle linebacker Stephen Tulloch in the first quarter, Austin’s defense got after Rodgers from the start and played terrifically.
Lions sack the Pack. #GBvsDET pic.twitter.com/1TKdD1UPYO
— NFL (@NFL) September 21, 2014
Next week the Detroit Lions head to the Big Apple to take on the New York Jets and their tough run defense. The game is at 1:00pm/ET on FOX.
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