Detroit Lions Dominate All Phases In Win Over New Orleans

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Dec 4, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) celebrates after throwing a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints during the second half of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Lions defeated the Saints 28-13. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Stafford shines as Lions require no fourth-quarter heroics

For the first time this season, the Lions did not trail at any point in the game and won by more than seven points. They dominated start to finish, taking the lead early and increasing it as the game progressed.

Matthew Stafford had a very efficient game on Sunday, completing 30 of 42 passes for 341 yards and two touchdowns. During the first half, Stafford completed 14 consecutive passes, a franchise record.

That efficiency translated into a big day for the Lions’ offense. They held the ball for nearly 37 minutes, keeping the ball in their hands and limiting the Saints’ scoring opportunities. While they struggled to turn the lopsided possession advantage into touchdowns, they consistently turned it into points, scoring on seven of their nine possessions and never punting the ball while racking up 422 total offensive yards.

Defense proves itself, dominates Saints offense

The Detroit defense had given up 20 or fewer points in five consecutive weeks heading into Sunday’s game, but none of those opponents were as talented offensively as New Orleans and the game was expected to be a challenging matchup for them.

The Lions were up for that challenge and confirmed that they are, in fact, a solid unit as Drew Brees threw a season-high three interceptions, New Orleans ran for only 50 yards as a team and failed to score on seven of its ten possessions. The Lions once again played their “bend but don’t break” defense, conceding 369 total yards, but they came up with takeaways to stop drives and kept the Saints out of the endzone.

Lions special teams led by Prater’s perfect game

Matt Prater has been a fantastic kicker for the Lions all season long and Sunday was no exception as he made five field goals in a game for the first time in his career. Prater made kicks from 27, 29, 32, 27 and 52 yards in the Lions’ win and converted his only extra point attempt.

The Lions were strong across the board on special teams all game long. The kickoff coverage unit was particularly impressive, allowing only 26 yards on two returns while six of Sam Martin‘s eight kickoffs went for touchbacks. Martin only punted twice, but they were both effective. His first punt traveled 53 yards and his second pinned the Saints back at their own 11-yard line late in the fourth quarter.

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