Tag: Detroit Lions

NFL Power Rankings Week 12: Lions hold steady in the early twenties

The Week 12 national NFL Power Rankings have been released and the Detroit Lions are holding steady in the early twenties in most rankings.

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The Week 12 national NFL Power Rankings have been released and the Detroit Lions (3-6-1) are holding steady in the early twenties in most rankings.

Let’s take a look at where the Lions stand in the national eye.

USA Today: 28 (Previous: 27)

“Did they find gem in former Alabama RB Bo Scarbrough, who ran for 55 yards in debut? No other Detroit back averages 55 rush yards per game in 2019.” — Nate Davis

Touchdown Wire: 22 (Previous: 23)

“The Lions faced an interesting question in Sunday’s game against the Cowboys. Would they stick with their primary man coverages against a Dallas passing offense that has been highly effective against that kind of tight coverage this season? Only Seattle’s Russell Wilson has a higher passer rating this season against man coverage than Dak Prescott’s 110.5. So in the end, it was fairly predictable that a defense that wants to play man coverage most of the time and isn’t very good at it — Detroit has allowed seven touchdown passes to just one interception in man coverage this season — would find itself at Prescott’s mercy. Dallas’ quarterback completed 29 of 46 passes for 444 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions in a 35-27 win. Detroit’s offense couldn’t quite keep up, though backup Jeff Driskel played decently in place of Matthew Stafford, who could miss several weeks with a back injury. What becomes apparent is that Detroit’s desire to align itself with a specific defensive philosophy, and the abilities of their players to execute that philosophy, are at a distinct impasse.” — Doug Farrar

NFL: 25 (Previous: 24)

“Same old story for the Lions, who can score points (with or without Matthew Stafford) but have a defense that’s a total liability. The unit was unable to get any pressure on Dak Prescott, who roasted the Lions for 444 yards and three touchdowns in Dallas’ 35-27 win over Detroit. The Lions’ issues are manifold: They can’t rush the quarterback, they can’t cover in the secondary and they don’t force turnovers. They’re on pace for their worst defensive season, from a total yardage allowed standpoint, worse even than the winless 2008 team. It’s a shame, too, because Jeff Driskel showed us once again that he has some ability. The backup quarterback — starting in place of the injured Stafford for the second straight week — made plays with his arm and legs, and he even had Detroit on Dallas’ side of the field in the final minutes with a chance to tie. The kid gives them a shot … the defense doesn’t.” — Dan Hanzus

ESPN: 21 (Previous: 21)

“Most underrated player: Marvin Jones Jr. wide receiver. It might sound weird that a known quantity would be underrated, but Jones has been a consistently strong presence since signing with Detroit in 2016. He is tied for the NFL lead in touchdowns with eight and has had four or more catches in eight games this season. He has been playing under a reasonable contract and people know who he is, but his overall value to the Lions often goes unnoticed because of the presence of Kenny Golladay and the team’s collective struggles.” — Michael Rothstein

CBS Sports: 23 (Previous 23)

“Why would Matt Stafford play again this season? Shut him down. This season is over.” — Pete Prisco

Sports Illustrated: 24 (Previous: 24)

“A full week of prep helped Jeff Driskel (15-of-26, 209 yards, 2 TDs, 109.3 rating), but Detroit couldn’t stay in it late without their trusty starter, especially since Driskel almost lead the way on the ground with eight rushes for 51 yards and a touchdown.” — MMQB staff

Sporting News: 23 (Previous: 22)

“The Lions are showing plenty of offensive fight with Jeff Driskel filling in for Matthew Stafford, but their defense takes turns being destroyed by the run and the pass, much to the chagrin of Matt Patricia after the team’s big offseason investments.” — Vinnie Iyer

Lions week 11 snap counts: Bo Scarbrough leads the way in the backfield

Detroit Lions Week 11 snap counts observations include Bo Scarbrough leading the way in the backfield and Amani Oruwariye getting first NFL snaps on defense.

When examining the Detroit Lions (3-6-1) snap counts from Week 11, a few key things stood out, including Bo Scarbrough leading the way in the backfield, tight end shifts, Amani Oruwariye getting first NFL snaps on defense and the reduction if three safety sets.

That and more takeaways from this week’s snap counts below:

Jeff Driskel stays strong

Jeff Driskel — 65, 100-percent

Driskel took a few hard shots in this game but was able to overcome them to play every snap.

Lions interior OL leans on four players

LT Taylor Decker — 65, 100-percent
LG Joe Dahl — 62, 95-percent
C Frank Ragnow — 56, 86-percent
RG Graham Glasgow — 62, 95-percent
RT Tyrell Crosby — 65, 100-percent
OG Kenny Wiggins — 20, 31-percent

Crosby replaced Wagner in the starting lineup and he, along with fellow offensive tackle Decker, was able to play every snap.

On the interior, it was a much different story. The rotation at guard continued, and like in previous weeks, it took an injury for it to stop — this time to Frank Ragnow, who is currently being evaluated for a concussion.

After Ragnow left the game, Glasgow shifted to center and Wiggins was promoted to right guard. Wiggins also took five snaps as a sixth offensive lineman.

Scarbrough leads the backfield

Bo Scarbrough — 32, 49-percent
Ty Johnson — 19, 29-percent
J.D. McKissic — 15, 23-percent
Nick Bawden — 2, 3-percent

Not only did Scarbrough start but he led the way in snaps out of the backfield. McKissic was the second option but was briefly sidelined in the second half. Johnson saw over a quarter of snaps, but you wouldn’t know it by the box score as he only received three touches. Bawden left the game early with a knee injury.

More of the same from the WRs

Kenny Golladay — 60, 92-percent
Marvin Jones Jr. — 57, 88-percent
Danny Amendola –36, 55-percent
Marvin Hall — 14, 22-percent

More of the same from the receiver group, these numbers match a recent trend as of late.

Hockenson’s snaps rise as James’ fall

T.J. Hockenson — 48, 74-percent
Logan Thomas — 22, 34-percent
Jesse James — 15, 23-percent

Hockenson broke the 70-percent mark for the first time since the first two weeks of the season. James’ decline continues and he saw his lowest snap count of the season. This is the fifth week in a row where James has seen 36-percent or fewer snaps.

Interior DL snaps increase with focus on the run

A’Shawn Robinson — 55, 74-percent
Damon Harrison — 49, 66-percent
John Atkins — 36, 49-percent
Mike Daniels — 29, 39-percent

With the team focused on stopping the run, the Lions went with a heavy rotation of interior defensive lineman. Both Robinson and Harrison saw their highest snaps count percentages of the season, while Atkins and Daniels saw their second-most.

EDGE rushers see higher snaps with Okwara out

Devon Kennard — 60, 81-percent
Trey Flowers — 55, 74-percent

Flowers was well on his way to leading the way in this group before he was forced to leave the game with a potential concussion. Both players had solid games.

Davis’ snap counts rebound, production stays high

Jarrad Davis — 67, 91-percent
Christian Jones — 53, 72-percent
Jahlani Tavai — 46, 62-percent
Jalen Reeves-Maybin — 5, 7-percent

Davis put together back-to-back impressive games, especially against the run. Reeves-Maybin saw the field on defense for the first time in a month, taking a coverage role in NASCAR sets during obvious passing situations.

Oruwariye sees first NFL snaps on defense

Darius Slay — 73, 99-percent
Rashaan Melvin — 72, 97-percent
Justin Coleman — 51, 69-percent
Amani Oruwariye — 9, 12-percent
Mike Ford — 5, 7-percent

Ford has steadily been entrenched as the Lions fourth cornerback all season but appeared to be replaced by the rookie Oruwariye in the second half. Oruwariye looked sharp in limited snaps and his performance could be enough to earn him more snaps moving forward.

3 safety sets leave with Walker

Tavon Wilson — 67, 91-percent
Will Harris — 59, 80-percent
Tracy Walker — 23, 31-percent

After three weeks of being unable to play due to injury, Walker was a surprise return to action on Sunday. Unfortunately, that surprise return was short-lived as Walker was forced from the game with a knee injury.

Harris started the game in a third safety role with Walker’s return, but after his exit, Harris was forced back in the starting lineup. Depending on Walker’s status moving forward, Harris may be starting for the foreseeable future.

Special teams

Miles Killebrew — 28
Dee Virgin — 27
Steve Longa — 23
Jalen Reeves-Maybin — 23
Logan Thomas — 23
C.J. Moore — 22
Mike Ford — 19
Christian Jones — 13
Jamal Agnew — 12
Jesse James — 11
Jahlani Tavai — 11
Nick Bawden — 11
Will Harris — 8
Amani Oruwariye — 8
Tavon  Wilson — 8
Marvin Hall — 7
Jarrad Davis — 6
Justin Coleman — 5

NFC North Week 11 roundup: Lions drop another, sit alone at the bottom

The Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears suffer losses, the Minnesota Vikings pull off a comeback win and the Green Bay Packers stay at the top despite being on a bye.

The Detroit Lions were unable to defend the den and their defense got torched by Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys. The Denver Bronco’s almost played spoiler as they traveled to Minnesota to play the Vikings, but Kirk Cousins had other plans. Mitchell Trubisky went down with a hip injury as the Chicago Bears dropped a game against the Los Angeles Rams. The Green Bay Packers were off, still sitting atop the NFC North.

Let’s take a closer look at the NFC North starting at the bottom of the division:

Detroit Lions (3-6-1)

Simply put, the Lions couldn’t get the job done, and it was the defense putting up a dud — again.

Jeff Driskel started at quarterback for the second consecutive week, and had a good stat line, completing 15 of 26 for 209 yards and two touchdowns while notching another touchdown on the ground with 51 yards on eight carries.

Marvin Jones and Kenny Golladay each sit with a league-leading eight touchdowns, and the Lions only silver lining is that they continue to put up points on offense.

The Lions lose their third in a row on the season, and fourth in a row to the Cowboys 27-35. The Lions hope to rebound against the struggling Washington Redskins, next week.

Chicago Bears (4-6)

In the Bears 7-17 loss to the Rams, Mitchell Trubisky went down with a hip injury and possibly lost his starting job for the rest of the season.

The Bears couldn’t get anything going on offense as the Rams defense held them to 267 total yards and seven points. The details on the injury to Trubisky’s hip haven’t surfaced as of yet, but some expect Chase Daniel to take over the reins at quarterback for the next couple of games. Thanksgiving in Detroit is shaping up to be Daniel vs Driskel — yes, I took a deep breath putting that thought down too.

The New York Giants come to town next week, and the Bears will be looking to not start another losing streak this season.

Minnesota Vikings (8-3)

The Vikings proved that they are a powerhouse team, picking up the win against the Broncos 27-23.

If you didn’t watch the game and just see the box score, this may sound puzzling to you. At halftime, the Broncos led the game 20-0 and seemingly had the game in hand. Mike Zimmer made some adjustments at the half, and his Vikings looked virtually unstoppable scoring 27 to the Broncos 3.

The Vikings get a lengthy bye as they won’t take the field again until a Monday Night Football Week 13 meeting on the road against the surging Seattle Seahawks.

Green Bay Packers (8-2)

Aaron Rodgers and the Packers were on a bye week and still hold first place in the NFC North, however that could be in jeopardy as they have a Sunday Night Football showdown next week with the (9-1) San Francisco 49ers.

Bo Scarbrough making most of his “opportunity” with Lions

Bo Scarbrough provided the Detroit Lions a much-needed spark in the running game and he is looking to make the most of his opportunity.

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On Saturday afternoon, running back Bo Scarbrough was on the Detroit Lions practice squad. Less than 24-hours later he would make his first NFL start and record his first NFL touchdown on just his third NFL carry.

Scarbrough made the most out of his opportunity.

A highly touted recruit, Scarbrough landed at Alabama to play under Nick Saban and like most Crimson Tide starters, when his college career was completed, he found himself in an NFL camp.

Initially, Scarbrough’s NFL journey was common of most late-round draft picks. The Dallas Cowboys selected him in the seventh round, he then suffered a training camp injury (hip), was released at cut-downs and re-signed to the practice squad of the team who drafted him.

A few weeks later, Scarbrough was released from the Cowboys practice squad, was brought in by the Jacksonville Jaguars and place on to their practice squad. From there he would be poached by the Seattle Seahawks and placed on their active roster, but never saw game action.

After an offseason with the Seahawks, Scarbrough was released again, eventually landing with the Lions on their practice squad. 10 days later he would be promoted to the active roster for a game ironically against the Cowboys.

Here is where Scarbrough’s path diverges from most. Not only was he active for the game, but he was called upon to start — something he wasn’t informed of until Sunday morning, but also something he was prepared for.

“It’s an opportunity,” Scarbrough said in the locker room post-game, “week-in and week-out. Everybody needs an opportunity. It felt regular to me. Playing under coach Saban – this is what we’ve always done. Every week was a different guy up, so you just have to be ready when your number is called. If your number is called, you just have to take advantage of it and run with it.”

And take advantage he did, finishing the game with 14 carries for 55 yards (3.9 yards per carry average) and the aforementioned touchdown — not hall-of-fame numbers by any means, but far more efficient than previous options the Lions have tried at running back after losing Kerryon Johnson to injured reserve.

“I think he’s been working hard since we got him,” coach Matt Patricia said in his post-game press conference. “He’s a big back. He comes downhill, and some of things that we saw, we wanted to give him that opportunity to go out there and show us what he could do. I thought he ran hard, thought he showed the physical part of the run game. That was good for us to see.”

Scarbrough’s fresh legs brought a spark to the Lions and his hard running style left teammates impressed.

“Yeah, I kind of grabbed him after the game and just told him how proud I was of him,” quarterback Jeff Driskel said in his post-game press conference. “He ran the ball super hard. He knew what he was doing. He hasn’t been here very long at all and he stepped right in there, and it was awesome to see him run that ball that hard. He kind of brought some life to our run game and it was awesome. He’s a good player and I’m happy he’s on our side.”

Moving forward, Scarbrough figures to be part of the Lions rushing game plan, as he fills a much-needed role in the offensive scheme. He may not start every week depending on the opponent, but he is prepared to contribute in any way he can, “I’m going to do my job, whatever it is, to help the team win. If I have to give someone a cup of water, then that’s what I do.”

With Scarbrough in the mix, J.D. McKissic thriving in his role, and rookie Ty Johnson developing, the Lions trio was able to rush for over 100-yards (121 yards on the day) for the first time since Week 4 when Kerryon Johnson was last active. The Lions may have finally landed on a running back combination capable of sustaining until Johnson can return to the field.

The Silver (and Blue) Lining: 3 positive takeaways from the Lions loss to Dallas

The Detroit Lions losing streak continues but it’s not all negative. Here are three positive takeaways from the latest game.

It’s only fitting that the second Silver (and Blue) Lining comes on the heels of another Detroit Lions loss, par for the course, I suppose. Nonetheless, in what turned out to be an entertaining game to watch, it’s never fun to be on the losing side.

Here are three positive takeaways from the Lions 35-27 loss against the Dallas Cowboys to ease the pain.

The offense can put up points

In what has become the norm for this season, the Lions put up a lot of points, only to fall short.

Jeff Driskel looked much more comfortable taking snaps under center this week, contributing two passing touchdowns along with one on the ground, on his way to winning the Lions Wire Week 11 player fo the game award.

The Lions are averaging 24.4 points per game this season, with a total of 244 points. To add some perspective to the scoring totals, the Lions are the sixth-highest scoring team in the league and the only one with a losing record.

Overall, the offensive play calling is working, albeit sometimes head-scratching. The Lions have had a rotation of running backs throughout the season, Matthew Stafford is currently out, Danny Amendola and TJ Hockenson have missed games, and the Lions offense has shown the versatility of a team that should be a perennial playoff contender. Not to mention that wide receivers Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones are tied with a league-leading eight touchdowns — each!

Defensive line held up against Ezekiel Elliott

The Cowboys star running back, Ezekiel Elliott could not get the motor going in Detroit. The blueprint was to stop Elliott first, and Dak Prescott second — but the Lions defense never switched out of that first gear.

Elliot finished the day with only 45 yards on the ground on 16 carries, for an average of only 2.8 yards per carry. Since Mike Daniels has returned, the Lions defensive line has been able to find some success stopping the run against both the Chicago Bears and Cowboys. If the defensive line can stay healthy, their opponents will continue to struggle on the ground.

Oh, you didn’t Bo? Scarbrough looked good in debut

On Saturday, the Lions promoted Bo Scarbrough to the active roster to try to get something going on the ground. Scarbrough not only started the game in the backfield for the Lions, but he also led the team in yards with 55.

On the Lions’ first offensive drive, Scarbrough scored his first career touchdown with a five-yard run, right up the middle. The former Cowboys seventh-round draft pick showed that he posses something that the Lions desperately need — power running.

The ability to lower the shoulder pads and break tackles is something the Lions have missed since Kerryon Johnson was put on injured reserve. Scarbrough will look to improve on his 14 carries for 55 yards in week 12 against a Washington Redskins defense that has allowed an average of 136 rushing yards per game.

NFC North standings after Week 11

With their comeback win over the Broncos, the Vikings inched closer to the top of the NFC North.

Packers, 8-2

The Packers still sit on top of the NFC North after having Week 10 off.

In Week 11, the Packers have quite the challenge, facing off against the 9-1 49ers in San Francisco. That game will be on Monday Night Football.

Vikings, 8-3

What. A. Comeback. The Vikings came back after being down by 20 points to the Broncos at half, winning 27-23.

The Vikings now get a bye week, and it really couldn’t come at a better time. The team is dealing with injuries to Adam Thielen, Linval Joseph, Harrison Smith, Anthony Harris and Josh Kline.

Minnesota will be rooting for San Francisco on Monday night hoping it opens a door to an NFC North championship for the Vikings.

Bears, 4-6

The Bears fell to the Rams in an ugly game on Sunday Night Football, 17-7.

The loss might have just removed Chicago from the playoff picture. Per FiveThirtyEight, the Bears have just a one percent to make the postseason.

Mitchell Trubisky was benched late in the game and it’s probably time for the Bears to think about getting a new quarterback for 2020.

The good news: Chicago hosts the New York Giants in Week 12.

Lions, 3-6-1

The Lions are without Matthew Stafford, and might be for the rest of the season. That’s not great news. Jeff Driskel held his own against the Cowboys, but the Lions still lost 35-27.

Things get easier in Week 12. The Lions travel to Washington DC to play the Redskins, but the 2019 season has turned into a pretty disappointing one for Detroit.

Highlights, player tracking of Cowboys biggest Week 11 plays

Dissecting the biggest plays in the Dallas Cowboys’ 35-27 victory against the Detroit Lions using EPA and Win Probability metrics.

Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Cowboys picked up a much needed victory as they beat the Detroit Lions 35-27 in a close game. The Cowboys dominated on the offensive side of the ball while their defense continued to struggle, this time against a Lions team led by backup quarterback Jeff Driskel. The team’s defense has been a let down despite some stellar play from the defensive line. That being the case, the burden is on Dak Prescott to lead the offense in high scoring games, and on Sunday he once again proved more than capable.

It was an explosive game for both passing offenses as each team’s pass defense was lackluster.

Here are the biggest plays of the game in terms of Expected Points Added (EPA) and Win Probability (WP) with data via nflscrapR. EPA measure the value of a play based on down, distance to first downs, field position and time remaining in the game.

Make sure to check out the multiple views of the player tracking data for unique insight into how the plays unfolded.

The Plays

No. 1: Ezekiel Elliott up the middle for 2 yards, FUMBLE

EPA: -4.2. DAL WP Shift: 48% -> 39%

Another game, another turnover on the Cowboys’ opening drive. The team has been known for their slow starts in 2019 and turnovers have been one of the biggest culprits. On the first rush of the game Elliott fumbled after being gang tackled by a pair of Lions. It was edge rusher Trey Flowers that forced the ball out with a recovery from linebacker Jarrad Davis.

The turnover proved to be a costly one as the Lions were able to turn it into their first score of the game. It was a seamless opening drive for the Lions who would start at their opponents’ 28-yard line. After a short drive, running back Bo Scarbrough scored on a 5-yard rush up the middle.

No. 2: Dak Prescott sacked by Devon Kennard for a loss of 10 yards

EPA: -2.4. DAL WP Shift: 42% -> 34%

The Cowboys’ third drive of the game looked to be a promising one. Beginning at their own 14-yard line, they would slowly inch their way into a scoring opportunity. The drive spanned 14 plays, 79 yards gained and five first downs. Eventually the Cowboys found themselves at the Lions’ 2-yard line on a goal-to-go situation. On third down it was Lions edge rusher Devon Kennard that would generate the sack on a well-timed blitz call for a loss of 10 yards.

After the sack the Cowboys would have to settle for a 30-yard field goal try from Brett Maher putting the score at 7-3 late in the first quarter.

No. 3: Prescott pass short middle to Tony Pollard for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN

EPA: 3.5. DAL WP Shift: 44% -> 55%

Trailing by four points to start the second quarter the Cowboys would get their first touchdown of the game in style. Much like in their previous possession, their fourth drive would also be a long one. This drive covered 7 plays, 70 yards gained and three first downs. Their success was rewarded when Prescott connected with Pollard on a 21-yard reception for the score. Pollard flashed his explosive potential by forcing a missed tackle in route to his first career receiving touchdown.

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Game balls, key stats, instant analysis of Cowboys 35-27 win over Lions

Dak Prescott’s ascension continued, as he led the Cowboys to their sixth win of the season while throwing for 444 passing yards.

Dallas fans invaded Detroit, and were able to witness their team hang on and claim and their sixth victory of the season. It ended up being a shootout between Dak Prescott and Jeff Driskell, in game that featured four lead changes and over 820 combined total yards of offense. Ultimately, the Cowboys were able to prevail, and remain on top of the NFC East.

It was over when . . .

. . . Ezekiel Elliott housed a well-timed screen pass against the blitz from 17-yards out, followed by an excellent Dak Dance TD celebration. Tony Pollard then rumbled into the end zone for the two-point conversion to put Dallas up by two touchdowns with under eight minutes left in the game, effectively sealing the win.

Game balls

QB Dak Prescott

His transformative season continued against the Lions, with Prescott completing 29 of 46 passes for 444 yards, his third game this season with over 400+ passing yards. He was responsible for most of the his team’s big plays, finding open receivers, shaking off defenders, and picking up first downs with his legs. This showing, perhaps more than any other this season, announced that the Cowboys are no longer a run-first, grind it out team led by Ezekiel Elliott, but one that can sling it with the best of them.

WR Michael Gallup

On the one-year anniversary since losing his brother, Michael Gallup had a career day. He set a new high in catches with nine, and led the team with 148 receiving yards. He was a monster, especially in the first half, and made maybe the catch of the season in the second quarter. The second-year receiver has made big strides in 2019, and seems to be developing into a really nice offensive weapon for Prescott.

RB Tony Pollard

It seemed like the Cowboys made an effort to get Pollard involved early, and it certainly paid off. The rookie scored the first receiving touchdown of his career, finding the end zone for the second time this season. He continues to electrify with the ball in his hands, showcasing elite balance and tackle-breaking abilities that the team should continue to utilize. All told, he caught four passes (including two newly unveiled pop passes) for 44 receiving yards, 12 rushing yards, 42 kick return yards.

Key Stat: 5

Robert Quinn and Michael Bennett, two recent imports to the defensive line, have each become immediate, big-time contributors to the Dallas defense. Five represents the combined QB hits they managed to lay on Jeff Driskell, to go along with their three combined sacks and six total tackles, half of which were for loss. The duo, plus DeMarcus Lawrence, were essentially the entire Cowboys pass rush, which held strong and helped ice the game at the end.

Quick Hits:

  • For the third time in 11 games, Dallas’s first offensive drive ended in a turnover. Elliott fumbled the ball away on the second play of the game, reminiscent of Prescott’s interception on the first play of the game in Week 9 vs New York. Early mistakes and playing from behind have been a constant theme this season, and this week was no different. Thankfully however, they were able to pull this one out.
  • Randall Cobb built on his breakout last week in a big way, again scoring a touchdown and going over 100 receiving yards (115 total). He’s now up to three scores on the season, and has recorded 221 receiving yards over his last two games.

  • Early on, it seemed like this week could’ve been the Bo Scarbrough revenge game. The 2018 Cowboys seventh round draft pick made his NFL debut against his former team, and promptly found the end zone on Detroit’s first drive. He managed to reel off some impressive runs, and was the perfect decoy on nicely executed read-option which allowed Driskell to walk into the end zone in the second quarter.
  • It’s hard to remember a time when the Cowboys return game looked more discombobulated. After the mind-numbing decision for forego a return at the end of the Vikings game, it seemed as if Dallas returners were trying too hard to press the action this week, costing the team valuable field position. Pollard took a kick four yards deep in his own end zone, reaching only the Cowboys’ 14. Tavon Austin returned two punts for two yards.
  • The Dallas special teams coverage didn’t fare much better, with Jamal Agnew getting loose for a 32-yard punt return, and a 29-yard kick return. The hidden yardage resulting from the game’s third phase can be extremely valuable, but the Cowboys haven’t gotten much help from their special teams unit this season. Or really since Dwyane Harris left town.
  • What does help special teams is being allowed to kickoff from the opponent’s 35-yard line. A couple ill-timed Detroit penalties essentially gave the Cowboys a free chance at an onside kick just before halftime.

  • Sitting at 6-4, it stings to think about what Dallas’s record could be right now, had they been able to take advantage some earlier opponents, and resisted the urge to shoot themselves in the foot. Still, they more than control their own destiny, and with this offense, can hang with any team in the league.Six games remain, and next up is a trip to Foxborough to take on the New England Patriots.

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Lions Week 11 player of the game: Jeff Driskel

In his second start for the Detroit Lions, quarterback Jeff Driskel has earned himself Lions Wire player of the game honors in the Lions 35-27 loss to the Dallas Cowboys.

In his second start for the Detroit Lions, quarterback Jeff Driskel has earned himself Lions Wire player of the game honors in the Lions 35-27 loss to the Dallas Cowboys.

Despite the final outcome, there were a few honorable mentions with recently called-up running back Bo Scarbrough putting up 55 yards and a score in his NFL debut, and J.D. McKissic making several plays to help the Lions move the chains, in what really turned out to be a high volume game in terms of scoring.

Driskel was under pressure all game and got sacked three times, however, he had no turnovers. Driskel showed poise while being under fire from the Cowboys defensive line and put together another nice day on the ground with 51 yards on eight rushes — including a two-yard touchdown in the second quarter (video below).

In the air, Driskel completed 15 of 26 passing attempts for 209 yards and two more touchdowns, giving him three touchdowns in total for the game. He connected with Kenny Golladay late in the fourth quarter on a deep 39 yard completion.

Congratulations to Driskel on earning the player of the game in only his second start for the Lions!

Two former Alabama stars score first NFL TD

Two former Alabama standouts, Irv Smith Jr. and Bo Scarbrough, scored their first career NFL touchdown on Sunday.

Alabama is known for putting impact players in the NFL. With former stars such as Julio Jones, Mark Ingram II and Minkah Fitzpatrick coming up with big plays seemingly every week, it can be hard to keep up with.

Well, add two more former Tide standouts to the list of players who have scored NFL touchdowns this season.

On Sunday, second-year running back Bo Scarbrough, who has bounced around on multiple teams since being a seventh-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, scored the following touchdown for the Detroit Lions:

So far on the day, Scarbrough has rushed the ball 12 times for 49 yards (4.1-yard per carry average) and a touchdown against a respectable Dallas Cowboys defense. Pretty nice debut for his new team considering he was just signed to the roster on Saturday.

Scarbrough is not the only Alabama play to score the first career NFL touchdown on Sunday, however.

Minnesota Vikings rookie tight end Irv Smith Jr. also hauled in the team’s only touchdown through so far against the Denver Broncos on this 10-yarder from Kirk Cousins:

Heading into Sunday, Smith has slowly started to become more involved in the Vikings offense with starting wide receiver Adam Thielen out with an injury.

In fact, the second-round pick out of Alabama had 24 receptions for 241 yards (10.0 yards per catch) coming into today. The “Built By Bama” mantra continues to prove its worth each and every week in the NFL.

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