Detroit Lions (4-1) – Carolina Panthers (0-5): 42-24
The suspense did not last long in Detroit. Favorites against the Panthers adrift at the start of the season, the Lions made short work of the visitors. 14-0 at the end of the first quarter, then 28-10 at halftime. The NFC North leaders held their place by being better on both sides of the ball.
Departure with foot on the floor
Preparing well for matches: that’s the mark of good teams. The first series are scripted and demonstrate to what extent the Lions now fall into the category of teams to count on.
Detroit’s first quarter is masterful. A punt provoked in defense, then a first offensive series which ends with a touchdown from David Montgomery (19 races, 109 yards, 1 touchdown) after three short plays. Again with an interception from an omnipresent Aidan Hutchinson (1 sack, 1 interception, 2 tackles for loss, 1 deflected pass), followed by a touchdown from rookie Sam Laporta (3 receptions, 47 yards, 2 touchdowns). 14-0 after this flying start.
Orphan of Amon-Ra St. Brown, injured, Jared Goff (20/28, 236 yards, 3 touchdowns) continues to deceive his detractors and delivers an unblemished copy. The ball is distributed all over the place: 8 different receivers!
The only disappointment perhaps, former first round pick Jameson Williams is still getting a little closer to the bust label, not taking advantage of this easy match to highlight himself: 2 receptions for 2 yards.
Carolina: depression
Sundays are long and painful for Panthers fans. Once again Bryce Young found himself under constant pressure (2 sacks, 7 quarterback hits). It’s never good news, but the rookie quarterback may have been the best Panther on the field, though: 25/41, 247 yards, 3 touchdowns, 2 interceptions.
Without a running game to vary the pleasures (Chuba Hubbard best runner at 35 yards), without a number 1 receiver (Adam Thielen is the only one to float with 107 yards, DJ Chark: 42 yards), the rest of the team falls short .
This time, the defense couldn’t hold it together either, conceding six touchdowns in the end! Final score 42-24.
Frank Reich absolutely needs to find something to rely on, because the Panthers are close to nothing at the moment.
The Lions continue to ride their wave and firmly establish themselves at the top of their division, always with the objective of finally putting an end to the franchise’s drought in the play-offs.
