Detroit Lions 3 Stars of the game: Marvin Jones continues dominance over Vikings

The Detroit Lions lose to the Minnestoa Vikings to end the season, but this weeks 3 stars did the best they could to end the season better

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It was a fitting end to what would ultimately be one of the worst seasons in recent memory for the Detroit Lions, dropping their season-ender to the Minnesota Vikings 37-35.

The Lions’ offense looked in peak form with Matthew Stafford at the helm.  He dropped dimes all over the field and the rushing attack mustered up 129 yards. However, the defense continued to struggle with tackling and gave up several chunk plays that led to points.

Even though the Vikings defense faced similar struggles, their offense overcame those issues, totaling 508 yards of total offense and doing enough to squeak out the victory.

Even though the Lions couldn’t end their season on a better note, some stellar performances this week deserve some recognition. Here are Lions Wire’s 3 stars of Week 17:

1st Star: Marvin Jones, Jr.

No one knows exactly why Marvin Jones seems to find major success against the Vikings, but he flexed his dominance once again this week. Jones hauled in eight catches on 11 targets for 180 yards and two touchdowns. He shouldn’t have a third one, but the refs made another controversial call determining he did not fully control the ball when going to the ground.

Jones also made Lions history hauling in 36 touchdowns in his Detroit career, good for third-most in team history. He has been a wonderful acquisition to the Lions when they needed him the most. Now a free agent, it will be hard to tell if the new regime will want to bring in back or not. Either way, he has been amazing to watch, and we at Lions Wire hope the best for him and his family.

2nd Star: Matthew Stafford

There is no way around it; Stafford is the heart and soul of this team. It would take an act of God to keep him from play football, and even then, that may not stop him. Lingering around with a thumb, rib, and ankle injuries, Stafford slung the ball for 295 yards and three touchdowns — and probably should have had more if not for ill-timed drops and head-scratching ref calls.

He did have a bad interception when he eyed Marvin Jones too long, but other than that, he was the vintage quarterback we have come to love.

With the season closing and a regime overhaul headed to Allen Park, Stafford’s status with the team has come up on numerous occasions with talks of a full rebuild.

No one can doubt this man’s heart for this city, and he will always take care of his team and community. It is hard to say what the new regime will do with the veteran quarterback, but Stafford has earned the right to have a say in Detroit’s future.

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3rd Star: Kevin Strong Jr.

With numerous injuries along the defensive line, Strong found his way back on the Lions roster after he was cut earlier in the season. Strong ended the season with enough good game film to warrant a look from the new coaching staff. In Week 17, he tallied three total tackles (two solo) with two quarterback hits and his first career sack.

Strong is a fringe player, but with a position group struggling to find healthy bodies, he showed why he belongs on the football field. It’s too early to tell if he will find his way back on the team next year with the several changes on the horizon, but he is proven to a rotational depth piece, and every team needs those players.

Star standings after Week 17:

  • D’Andre Swift: 110 points
  • Marvin Jones Jr.: 100 points
  • T.J. Hockenson: 80 points
  • Jack Fox: 80 points
  • Matthew Stafford: 80 points
  • Marvin Jones Jr.: 100 points
  • Kenny Golladay: 60 points
  • Adrian Peterson: 60 points
  • Matt Prater: 50 Points
  • Romeo Okwara: 50 points
  • Jamie Collins Jr.: 40 points
  • Trey Flowers: 30 points
  • Brayden Coombs: 30 points
  • Amani Oruwariye: 30 points
  • Jamal Agnew: 30 points
  • Tracy Walker: 20 points
  • Kerryon Johnson: 20 points
  • Daryl Roberts: 20 points
  • Jonah Jackson: 10 points
  • Desmond Trufant: 10 points
  • Everson Griffen: 10 points
  • John Penisini: 10 points
  • Mike Ford: 10 points
  • Kevin Strong Jr.: 10 points

It has been a tough season for everyone involved. With new ownership taking the search for a new GM and head coach very seriously, we will likely see significant changes on the horizon and create a culture that is best suited for the Motor City.

Stay tuned to Lions Wire for a full season recap of the 2020 Detroit Lions 3 Stars.