Detroit Lions Game Ball Week 7: Caraun Reid
By Erik Schlitt
With a loss to the Minnesota Vikings (28-19) in week 7, the Detroit Lions fall to 1-6 on the season. The Lions came out on fire, marching down the field on their first two drives, and when the first quarter ended the Lions had a 14-3 lead.
Over the next two and a half quarters the Lions offense gained only 4 more yards. That’s not a typo, 4 yards gained. The shocking lack of offense strained the defense, which was producing prior to meltdown.
The “Game Ball” is given to the Detroit Lions “most valuable player” in this weeks game.
Week 7 Game Ball goes to: Caraun Reid
After an injury to Tyrunn Walker in week 4, Caraun Reid has been asked to take on a larger role on the Lions defensive line. Yesterday he had the best game of his career, registering 6 tackles, 4 of them for loss, 2 quarterback hits, and his first career sack. Reid’s sack came in the 3rd quarter and was a key 3rd down redzone stop.
Caraun Reid's first career sack comes on a third-and-goal for the Vikings, who will now kick a FG. #Lions
— Josh Katzenstein (@jkatzenstein) October 25, 2015
The Vikings were able to move the ball on a tired Lions defense but Reid showed up on key plays throughout the game. Reid had 4 tackles for loss and 3 of them came in the 2nd half when others around him were wearing down. Reid is improving his game every week and today showed that his hard work is paying off.
Other Detroit Lions considered: Ezekiel Ansah could win the Game Ball every week. Ansah again was all over the field yesterday, finishing up with 4 tackles, 1 sack, 1 pressure that caused a sack, 3 quarterback hits, and a forced fumble. His most impressive play of the day was when he chased Adrian Peterson 75 yards, tackling him at the 3 after Glover Quin slowed him up. The clip below is not a fun highlight to watch, but watch 94 show his heart by not giving up on the play.
.@adrianpeterson broke free for a 75-yard run today, his longest of the season.
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 25, 2015
WATCH: https://t.co/k8SylVDwv2 pic.twitter.com/Wx00gH5kgi
Stephen Tulloch has his best game on the season, registering a team leading 8 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, and a fumble recovery. Tulloch looked like he’s finally knocked the rust off, after missing most of last season with an ACL injury. Improved play from the middle linebacker will be key for the Lions in future games.
Eric Ebron returned after missing the last 2 games with injury. He caught all 5 of the balls thrown his way, gaining 89 yards and a touchdown. Ebron continues to make silly mistakes (like running out-of-bounds when the Lions are trying to keep the clock running), but he is a mismatch that defenses are having trouble with. Ebron continues to improve, and as he gains experience, he has the potential to be a major weapon for the offense.
Previous Game Ball Winners:
Week 1: Ameer Abdullah
Week 2: Ezekiel Ansah
Week 3: Calvin Johnson
Week 4: Ezekiel Ansah
Week 5: Theo Riddick
Week 6: Matthew Stafford