Detroit Lions Week 8 Game Ball: Theo Riddick
By Erik Schlitt
When the Detroit Lions visited the Houston Texans in week eight, several players stood out but it was Theo Riddick who performed the best and took home this weeks DJC Game Ball.
The Detroit Lions continue to play such terrible defense, I’m left wondering if a defensive player will ever win a DJC Game Ball again. When you pair the defensive struggles with poor coaching decisions, bad penalties, and poor execution in the receiving game, it’s no surprise the Lions left Houston with a loss.
But, that’s not what this article is about. Let’s find the positive in this weeks game. What can we build on. What’s working. And, who’s performing.
Welcome back Theo, you’ve been missed
Theo Riddick returned from injury this week and made an immediate impact on the Lions offense. He finished the day with 11 rushes for 56 yards, and eight receptions for 77 yards and a touchdown.
That's the 11th TD catch of Theo Riddick's career. Moves into fourth all time in club history for a tailback
— kyle meinke (@kmeinke) October 30, 2016
Coming into this game the Lions offense had been efficient at spreading the ball around, with a variety of players stepping up their game. Almost every one of those players went quiet today. Riddick stepped up his game and got better with every series.
If the Lions can get their wide receivers back on the same page as Matthew Stafford. And then combine that with Theo Riddick’s performance, they will have an offense that defenses should fear. While, that has yet to happen this season, it doesn’t mean it won’t.
We missed you too, Eric Ebron
Eric Ebron also returned from injury, and like Riddick, found himself counted on early and often. While he did have one drop (some will say it was two but I think the second one is difficult to blame Ebron), he still managed to haul in a career-best seven receptions.
TE @Ebron85 with a career-best seven catches today through three quarters. #DETvsHOU pic.twitter.com/JjvXYvjpYQ
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) October 30, 2016
His 79 yards led the team today. The Lions will need him to keep up his efficiency as he will be relied upon, to be a significant contributor in the second half of the season.
Bright spots in a bad defensive performence
- Johnson Bademosi had an interception (first of his career) and two pass break ups.
- Khyri Thornton, A’Shawn Robinson and Armonty Bryant each had a sack.
- Kerry Hyder had a tackle for loss and a quarterback hit.
- Travis Wilson, Antwione Williams, and Tyrunn Walker each had a tackle for loss.
- Devin Taylor had a quarterback hit.
Teryl Austin continues to shake up his defensive line and from the bullet points above you can see it’s working. Granted they still have massive issues to improve, like covering tight ends, and form tackling ball carriers instead of just trying to hit them. But the unit up front drives this defense, and if they can continue to improve their play the players behind them will improve too.
Quick Hits
- The Lions failed to execute on 4th down today for the first time this season. They are now five of six in 2016.
- Just resigned Josh Bynes was already starting at linebacker.
- Travis Swanson credited Dominic Raiola for helping him improve this season.
- Graham Glasgow started for the third straight game, it looks like left guard is his for good.
- Andre Roberts averaged 26.8 yards per kickoff return.
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Regular Season Game Ball Winners:
Week 1: Theo Riddick
Week 2: Devin Taylor
Week 3: Marvin Jones
Week 4: Andre Roberts
Week 5: Darius Slay
Week 6: Matthew Stafford
Week 7: Matthew Stafford… Again
Preseason Game Ball Winners:
Week 1: Zach Zenner
Week 2: Tahr Whitehead
Week 3: Haloti Ngata
Week 4: Kerry Hyder