Detroit Lions Week 4 Game Ball: Andre Roberts

When the Detroit Lions visited the Chicago Bears in week four, not many players showed up ready to compete, but Andre Roberts took advantage of his opportunities and received this weeks Game Ball.

The Detroit Lions tumultuous season continues. They entered Chicago flat and unprepared, showing little effort throughout the game. The offensive line couldn’t sustain blocks. The defensive line couldn’t get any pressure. And I counted six drops by Lions skill players.

When they did get some momentum, lack of effort and mistakes killed drives. Golden Tate ran the wrong route that resulted in an interception and earned him a spot on the bench. In the fourth quarter, Eric Ebron quit on his route allowing another interception and effectively ending any chance of a Lions comeback.

Andre Roberts made things interesting by returning a punt 85-yards for a touchdown but it was too little too late. Here’s a look at the play:

While Roberts continues to return kicks out of the endzone unsuccessfully, we must remember, this stubbornness is likely part of the coaches game plan. If Roberts was this unproductive, and it was going against the coaches decisions, he would’ve been replaced by now. He is being asked to try an make the most of every return and it finally paid off on today’s late punt return.

Roberts also got an opportunity to see the field after Golden Tate’s “benching”. While it only resulted in one reception for eight yards, it doubled his season production over the first three games. His ability to show he’s ready to step up when needed, is sure to help his case for getting on the field more in the future.

It Wasn’t All Doom and Gloom

Another game and another sack for Kerry Hyder, his fifth in the first four games. Hyder continues to flash, but it’s obvious he is better suited in a reserve role. Other than one other quarterback hit, he was kept off the stat sheet.

Darius Slay quietly had a solid game. He totaled four tackles, a sack, and three passes defended. He looked like he was giving full effort when others around him didn’t.

The Lions kickers were good when they needed to be. Sam Martin punted five times and averaged 49 yards per attempt. Matt Prater successfully kicked two field goals, including one from 50 yards.

Finally, two more things that stood out to me:

1. Miles Killebrew got some snaps in the box. This is a good first step to fulfilling a prediction I’ve been pushing for, for the last six months.
2. It looked like they’ve worked on their Hail Mary defense.

Next: Draft Watchlist Western Michigan vs Central Michigan

Regular Season Game Ball Winners

Week 1: Theo Riddick
Week 2: Devin Taylor
Week 3: Marvin Jones

Preseason Game Ball Winners:
Week 1: Zach Zenner
Week 2: Tahr Whitehead
Week 3: Haloti Ngata
Week 4: Kerry Hyder