Week 2 had its fair share of weird games, including the Lions and Buccaneers game that ended with the Lion's first loss of the season. I can argue that the Buccaneers are one of the few teams that could be a legitimate threat as an NFC contender, but this loss was not all because of Baker Mayfield's elusiveness. This loss lies on the shoulders of Jared Goff. It was a terrible performance by the Lions' star QB, who had no answer to the Buccaneers' defense, especially in the red zone. This not only sets the Lions back but raises some questions about what is going on in Jared Goff's mind.
Goff's Wandering Eyes
Sure, Goff threw for over 300 yards passing, which is impressive for any NFL quarterback, but that was the only positive outcome from Goff's passing game. Amon Ra St. Brown had his first 100-yard receiving game, and Jameson Williams had a few highlight catches, but Goff could not find the end zone. Goff had a QB rating of 36.4 on 55 attempts, which is a very poor grade. The Lions were 1-7 in the red zone, and the lone touchdown came from running back David Montgomery. Goff was picked off twice in the game; both of those throws, you could say, "What were you thinking???!! Who were you throwing to?". After the 2nd interception, even I started to think, "Do we need to sit Goff? The man does not look like he is here mentally,". Goff deserved more blame for Sunday's loss and needs to look into himself to get over this game.
Defensive Positives
Aiden Hutchinson, have a day. Three sacks in the first quarter ended the day with 4.5, an in-game career high. It was an absolute monster performance from the Lions star defensive end. Unfortunately, "Hutch's" performance would not be enough for the Lions to win the game, but still a significant factor in keeping the Lions within striking distance. This performance should put Hutchinson up for defensive player of the week, if not a runner-up. Hutch exceeded all expectations in this matchup, and it's only Week 2. Hutchinson could be the NFL's sack leader at the end of the season if he keeps up with this rate, and I wouldn't be surprised if he did.
Hats Off to Baker Mayfield
Give Baker Mayfield his flowers. The young star has gone through so much in his career, from being screwed over by the Cleveland Browns organization, hitting rock bottom with the Carolina Panthers (sorry, Bryce Young), seeing some life on the LA Rams, to finally finding his place on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Mayfield didn't have a real stand-out performance throwing the football, 12/19 attempts with 185 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, but he had the Lions' defense chasing its tail (pun intended) by rushing for 34 yards and 1 rushing touchdown. It may not be much, but Baker had the defense confused when he took off, which is not something he is known for. He is no Lamar Jackson, but when needed, Mayfield will improvise and do what he must to win a game. Hats off to Baker Mayfield; what a turnaround.
What's Next?
Lions will be traveling to Arizona to take on the Cardinals, who are coming off giving a beatdown to the LA Rams. If the Lions want to get back on track, Goff must not get in his head and make smart decisions when throwing the football. If you don't want to risk it, stick to the rushing game with Montgomery and Gibbs. If you don't see anyone open, use your legs yourself and dive. Goff must remember to improvise more and not take such risks when throwing the ball.
Defensively, the Lions have got to look out for Kyler Murray. The speedy quarterback is an escape artist who will do anything to keep the play alive, whether with his legs or throwing a deep ball to someone he finds wide open and left unattended. The Lions have to be aware of Murray's improvising and box him in the best they can. Aiden Hutchinson will have his hands full trying to catch Kyler Murray and picking up a crucial sack.
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