In the Detroit Lions’ Week 13 comeback victory over the Chicago Bears, the offense and Matthew Stafford get a lot of the love — and rightfully so — but it was the defense that came up big three times at the end of the game, and those three plays will be the focus of today’s film room.
After giving up 23 points in the first half the Lions’ defense was struggling to acclimate to some of the new schematic changes introduced by defensive coordinator Cory Undlin — who is now in greater control of the defense after the firing of Matt Patricia.
But, when the second half began, the Lions defense settled in, only allowing an early fourth-quarter touchdown, while the offense began chipping away at the Bears lead.
Down 10 points, with five and a half minutes remaining, the Lions faced a key third down, and that is where our breakdowns begin.
Lions 20, Bears 30
- Situation: 3rd and 4, 5:30 left in the 4th quarter
- Key player: Everson Griffen at RDE
- Assignment: Rush the passer
- Results: Needing to get off the field, Griffen alters his pass-rushing attack and falls back on his ever-reliable spin move to get a key sack — ending the drive.
Late in the fourth quarter of Week 13, Everson Griffen falls back on his spin move to get a key sack. pic.twitter.com/T8k0yc57bi
— Erik Schlitt (@erikschlitt) December 10, 2020
After getting the ball back, the Lions drove 96-yards on seven plays to cut the deficit to just three points.
Lions 27, Bears 30
- Situation: 3rd and 4, 1:54 left in the 4th quarter
- Key player: Romeo Okwara at LDE
- Assignment: Rush the passer
- Results: Inside their own red zone, the Bears decide to attempt to extend their drive by passing the ball instead of running more time off the clock. Okwara executes beautiful technique to gain leverage over the tackle and uses his extraordinary length and athleticism to get the strip-sack.
Romeo Okwara shows phenomenal technique on this play to get the strip-sack. Keep an eye on his left arm and notice how he gains leverage and creates space. Beautiful. pic.twitter.com/raFGkD5EPo
— Erik Schlitt (@erikschlitt) December 10, 2020
Two plays later, Adrian Peterson powers his way through the Bears defense for the go-ahead touchdown, giving the Lions their first lead of the day with just 1:26 left on the clock.
Lions 34, Bears 30
- Situation: 4th and 1, 0:16 left in the 4th quarter
- Key player: Kevin Strong at the 2i-technique
- Assignment: Penetrate the line, attack the ball
- Results: Strong’s first step is devastating and was the difference in this play, as he was able to blow up the play design before the ball even made it to the running back.
Kevin Strong first step is lethal and and was key to blowing up this 4th down play. Reggie Ragland helps him clean up the tackle on the way to a Lions victory in Week 13. pic.twitter.com/4F8I4dVz29
— Erik Schlitt (@erikschlitt) December 10, 2020
When the Lions needed stops late in the fourth quarter the Lions defense came through. They still have their issues on defense but having the mental fortitude to come through in the clutch was a missing element we haven’t seen in some time. Let’s hope it carries over the final month of the season.