Introduction
The Detroit Lions and Arizona Cardinals faced off in a highly anticipated matchup, with both teams looking to improve their standing in the league. The Lions entered the game with a 2-1 record, having shown strong performances in their previous games, while the Arizona Cardinals were 1-2, seeking to bounce back from an early-season slump. This blog post will break down the key player statistics and team performance from the game, providing a detailed view of how the game unfolded, player contributions, and overall team dynamics.
Game Overview
The Detroit Lions triumphed with a commanding 20-13 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. The Lions were strong on both sides of the ball, but their offense, particularly in the running game, proved to be the difference. The Cardinals struggled to gain momentum, especially in the second half, as their offensive line was unable to provide consistent protection.
Key Team Stats Breakdown
| Stat | Detroit Lions | Arizona Cardinals |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Downs | 23 | 17 |
| Passing 1st Downs | 11 | 10 |
| Rushing 1st Downs | 12 | 2 |
| 1st Downs from Penalties | 0 | 5 |
| 3rd Down Efficiency | 6-12 | 1-9 |
| 4th Down Efficiency | 0-1 | 0-2 |
| Total Plays | 68 | 53 |
| Total Yards | 373 | 277 |
| Total Drives | 11 | 11 |
| Yards per Play | 5.5 | 5.2 |
| Passing Yards | 186 | 200 |
| Comp/Att | 18/23 | 21/34 |
| Yards per Pass | 7.4 | 5.7 |
| Interceptions Thrown | 1 | 1 |
| Sacks-Yards Lost | 2-13 | 1-7 |
| Rushing Yards | 187 | 77 |
| Rushing Attempts | 43 | 18 |
| Yards per Rush | 4.3 | 4.3 |
| Red Zone (Made-Att) | 2-2 | 1-1 |
| Penalties | 9-79 | 4-30 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Fumbles Lost | 0 | 0 |
| Defensive/Special Teams TDs | 0 | 0 |
| Time of Possession | 36:49 | 23:11 |
Offensive Performance
Detroit Lions Offense
The Lions had a total of 373 yards in the game, with 186 yards coming through the air and 187 yards on the ground. This balance in their offensive attack helped them control the tempo of the game. Their offensive line was strong, especially in the running game, providing holes for their running backs to exploit.
Quarterback Performance (Lions)
Jared Goff had a steady game, completing 18 of 23 passes for 186 yards. Though he didn’t light up the scoreboard with flashy stats, his efficient play helped the Lions maintain possession and move the ball down the field. He also threw one interception, but his overall game management kept the Lions ahead.
Running Back Performance (Lions)
The biggest contributor to the Lions’ offensive success was their running game. With 187 rushing yards, the Lions dominated in time of possession, keeping the ball for over 36 minutes. The Lions’ backfield, led by David Montgomery, was particularly effective, picking up 4.3 yards per carry on 43 attempts. This physical running game kept the Arizona defense on its heels.
Wide Receiver Performance (Lions)
The Lions’ wide receivers were not the focal point of the offense but played an important supporting role. Amon-Ra St. Brown led the receivers with 7 catches for 65 yards. His precise route running helped keep the chains moving, but the run-heavy game plan kept the receivers’ numbers in check.
Arizona Cardinals Offense
The Cardinals managed only 277 total yards in the game, with 200 yards coming through the air and just 77 on the ground. Their offense struggled to gain momentum throughout the game, particularly in the second half, where they were held to only 6 points.
Quarterback Performance (Cardinals)
Joshua Dobbs completed 21 of 34 passes for 200 yards, but his struggles to move the ball consistently were evident. He was brought down once and threw an interception during the game. His inability to sustain drives or make key throws at critical moments prevented the Cardinals from staying competitive.
Running Back Performance (Cardinals)
The Arizona running game was largely ineffective. With only 77 rushing yards on 18 attempts, they were unable to establish a rhythm. Their leading rusher, James Conner, had 7 carries for 24 yards, averaging 3.4 yards per carry. The lack of balance in the offense forced Dobbs to rely heavily on the passing game, which made the Cardinals predictable.
Wide Receiver Performance (Cardinals)
The Cardinals’ wide receivers had a mixed performance. Marquise Brown was the top target, finishing with 6 receptions for 66 yards. However, he struggled to gain separation from the Lions’ secondary, limiting his impact on the game. The Cardinals were unable to create big plays in the passing game, which also contributed to their offensive struggles.
Defensive Performance
Detroit Lions Defense
The Lions’ defense had a solid game, limiting the Cardinals to just 277 total yards. They were effective at getting pressure on Dobbs, sacking him once and forcing him to throw an interception. The Lions’ secondary played well, making crucial stops when necessary and keeping the Cardinals from finding any rhythm through the air.
Key Player (Lions)
Aidan Hutchinson, the Lions’ star defensive end, played a big role in the defensive effort. He was disruptive in the backfield, pressuring Dobbs and helping to break down Arizona’s offensive line. His ability to get to the quarterback made life difficult for the Cardinals’ offense.
Arizona Cardinals Defense
The Cardinals’ defense had a tough time stopping the Lions’ run game. Although they were able to limit the passing game, giving up only 186 yards, they couldn’t contain the Lions’ rushing attack. The Cardinals’ defensive front struggled to fill gaps, and their linebackers had difficulty wrapping up Lions’ ball carriers.
Key Player (Cardinals)
Jalen Thompson, the Cardinals’ safety, had a solid performance, recording 10 tackles, but his efforts were not enough to stop the Lions’ ball control offense. The secondary also gave up key completions when the Lions needed to move the chains.
Special Teams Performance
Both teams had a relatively uneventful special teams game, with no touchdowns coming from return plays. However, the Lions’ ability to control time of possession helped limit Arizona’s opportunities on offense. In terms of field goals and punts, both teams were efficient, but the Lions’ field position advantage helped them maintain control throughout the game.
Conclusion
The Detroit Lions controlled the game with their dominant rushing attack, solid defense, and efficient passing game. Arizona, on the other hand, struggled to maintain consistency on offense, especially in the second half. With only 77 rushing yards and 200 passing yards, the Cardinals were unable to put together the kind of balanced attack necessary to overcome the Lions’ physical style of play. Jared Goff’s efficiency and the Lions’ ability to control the clock with their running game were key factors in the victory. On the defensive side, the Lions were able to pressure Joshua Dobbs and limit Arizona’s offensive production. In contrast, the Cardinals failed to capitalize on their opportunities, particularly on third down, where they were a poor 1-for-9.
The Lions’ victory improves their record to 3-1, while the Cardinals fall to 1-3. This game showcased the importance of balance on both sides of the ball, as the Lions demonstrated how a solid running game and efficient passing can lead to a well-rounded, successful performance. For Arizona, there’s work to be done, particularly in the running game and pass protection, as they look to bounce back from this defeat.
FAQS
1. Which team claimed victory in the Detroit Lions vs Arizona Cardinals matchup?
The Detroit Lions triumphed over the Arizona Cardinals, securing a 20-13 win.
2. Which team had the better rushing game?
The Detroit Lions dominated the rushing game with 187 yards, compared to the Cardinals’ 77 yards.
3. How did Jared Goff perform in the game?
Jared Goff completed 18 of 23 passes for 186 yards and one interception in the match.
4. Which player led the Detroit Lions in receiving yards?
Amon-Ra St. Brown led the Lions’ receiving corps with 7 catches for 65 yards.
5. What was the total yardage gained by each team?
The Detroit Lions gained 373 total yards, while the Arizona Cardinals gained 277 yards.
