Detroit Lions Week 12 Game Ball: Darius Slay

When the Detroit Lions hosted the Minnesota Vikings in week 12 on Thanksgiving day, several players stood out but it was Darius Slay who performed the best and took home this week’s DJC Game Ball.

This was arguably the most important game of the Detroit Lions (7-4) season. Entering the game tied for the lead in the NFC North, this was their chance to put some distance between them and the rest of the division. Like most Thanksgiving day games, the Lions fans were ready to go.

The Lions won the toss and took the ball to start the game. And with a rocking crowd, the Lions went right down the field and scored on the opening drive. Then after some very questionable calls in the Vikings favor, you could hear the fans frustration. It wouldn’t end there. More and more questionable calls would follow, quickly creating a theme throughout the game. I don’t like blaming the refs as an excuse, but I think it’s safe to say the league will be reviewing Carl Cheffers crew after this one.

As expected, the Lions would find themselves down in the fourth quarter yet again. If you’re keeping track that’s 11 games played and 11 times the Lions have been down in the fourth quarter. Down three points, on their own two-yard line, with 5:02 remaining, Matthew Stafford showed elite composure to get them out of trouble and set up a game tying field goal by Matt Prater.

Darius Slay made them pay

When the Vikings got the ball back following the Lions field goal, they decide to go for the win and start throwing the ball around. Then Darius Slay made them pay.

Like Stafford on offense, Slay has a knack for making big plays in big situations and his interception put the Lions in field goal range for the win.

With Matt Prater’s perfect execution of a last second field goal, the Lions find themselves alone in first place in the division with a tie-breaker in hand.

Detroit’s secret 3rd down weapon

After four third down stops last week, Miles Killebrew added another two to his resume in this game. He has found a nice role for himself on this defense and has earned more snaps.

Add in his contributions on special teams and what he’ll be able to do for this team in the future, the fourth round pick it cost to acquire him is starting to look like a bargain.

Quick Hits

• This was Don Muhlbach‘s 191st game as a Lion
  • he’s now tied with Jeff Backus for fourth most in Lions history.
• A’Shawn Robinson got his first career start today.
• This was Stafford’s seventh Thanksgiving day start and fourth straight victory.
• Stafford’s opening drive touchdown pass was his 100th at Ford Field.
• Stafford now has 25 touchdowns and 2 interceptions in his last 13 games at home.
• Anquan Boldin caught his 80th touchdown of hs career.

More from Detroit Jock City

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• Lions vs. Bears Week 14 Opening Odds Disrespect Detroit
• Former Tigers Celebrate Jim Leyland Hall of Fame Call
• This Pistons Team Could be the Worst in Detroit Sports History
• 4 Free Agents Tigers Should Sign During Winter Meetings

Regular Season Game Ball Winners:

Week 1: Theo Riddick
2: Devin Taylor
3: Marvin Jones
4: Andre Roberts
5: Darius Slay
6: Matthew Stafford
7: Matthew Stafford… Again
8: Theo Riddick
9: Matt Prater
11: The Safeties

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