Detroit Lions Game Ball Week 6: Matthew Stafford
By Erik Schlitt
It took overtime, but the Detroit Lions finally got their first win of the 2015 season defeating the Chicago Bears 37-34. This game was full of controversial officiating, questionable coaching decisions, and poorly timed penalties. The Lions found a way to win, despite some poor decisions, by executing an offensive game plan designed to generate yards and points. The “Game Ball” is given to the Detroit Lions “most valuable player” in this week’s game.
Week 6 Game Ball goes to: Matthew Stafford
Benched in Week 5 to hero in Week 6, Matthew Stafford led the Lions to victory by completing 27 of 42 passes (64.28%) for 405 yards passing, 4 touchdowns, 1 interception, and six rushes for 37 yards. Stafford looked like his old gunslinger self yesterday, buying time by scrambling, slinging it sidearm, and going deep on multiple throws. He completed passes to seven different receivers, four of them catching touchdowns. No play was more controversial than his touchdown to Golden Tate late in the 2nd quarter. Here is a video of the play with an explanation of why it was a touchdown by Dean Blandino, vice president of officiating:
NFL Vice President of Officiating explains the ruling behind the Golden Tate touchdown.#CHIvsDET http://t.co/PNDqj4Cbdv
— NFL (@NFL) October 18, 2015
Stafford best throw of the day was in overtime, where he uncorked a 57 yard bomb to Calvin Johnson that set up the winning field goal.
When it doubt, launch it to Megatron.
— NFL (@NFL) October 18, 2015
He'll set up the OT game-winning FG on his own. #CHIvsDET http://t.co/xmKBDw1ujP
Other Detroit Lions Considered:
Calvin Johnson is finally starting to resemble the player we are used to seeing on Sundays. Calvin had a strong game, catching 6 of 9 targets for 166 yards, 1 touchdown, and secured Stafford’s overtime throw that set up the game winning field goal. This was Calvin’s 45th game with over 100 yards receiving.
Lance Moore scored his touchdown, a 20 yard pass from Stafford, on the opening drive. Moore would go on to catch 4 more passes and total 106 receiving yards on the day. He found ways to get open at key times, including late in the 4th quarter where he caught a 26 yard pass that set up Calvin Johnson’s touchdown.
Josh Bynes continues to be one of the best players on the defensive side of the ball for the Lions. He is gaining confidence and consistently puts himself in situations to make plays. He finished his day will 11 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and 1 pass break up.
The Lions special teams coverage and return units had problems all day but both kickers were solid. Sam Martin averaged 55.2 yards per punt and rocketed a kick 60 yards in overtime that was key in winning the field position battle. Matt Prater converted 3 of 3 field goals and 4 of 4 extra points and he handled the pressure of the making the game winning kick in overtime like an all-pro.
Previous Game Ball Winners:
Week 1: Ameer Abdullah
Week 2: Ezekiel Ansah
Week 3: Calvin Johnson
Week 4: Ezekiel Ansah
Week 5: Theo Riddick
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