Lions Team Grades: Detroit Does It Again With Comeback Win Over Minnesota On Thanksgiving
By Michael Ferro
After Detroit's thrilling 16-13 comeback win on Thanksgiving over visiting Minnesota on Thursday, the Lions now possess full control over the NFC North and the first place spot with just five games left to play. It was yet another chance for Detroit to come from behind in the final minutes of the game to steal a win, something that has become commonplace (and almost expected) of the Lions.
To help illustrate how amazing Detroit's feats have been in fourth quarters as of late, a look back a recent history does it best. Eight teams have trailed in the fourth quarter in each of their first 11 games since 2008, including the 2016 Detroit Lions. While Detroit is now 7-4 this year, the other seven teams had a combined record of 4-73. Has Detroit finally flipped the script from "same old Lions"—meaning poor play and losses in the end—to stunning last-minute victories?
Offense: B-
Both Minnesota and Detroit charged out of the gate on offense, each scoring a touchdown early. Before long, though, each team's offense began to slow. The Lions' offense struggled a bit once the Vikings' tough defense kicked it into another gear. Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford was pressured for much of the game and was sacked twice to boot. And while Detroit wasn't able to get much of a real ground game going, Stafford himself nabbed 30 yards rushing on key plays when his options dried up, proving he could use his feet when necessary (and not just his sidearm bullets).
Golden Tate had a decent game for Detroit, but the breakout player through the air was veteran Anquan Boldin, who caught seven passes for 69 yards and a touchdown. Still, after their opening drive, Detroit's offense struggled at times and came up short, though some would argue the questionable officiating might be to blame for at least some of that. Regardless, no fumbles or interceptions from the offense—gotta love that.
Defense: B-
While it was a hard-fought battle for Detroit's defense against Minnesota quarterback Sam Bradford and the Vikings offense, the Lions kept it a close game. Again, some odd calls from the officials may have angered Detroit fans, but that's how it goes. Detroit's defense didn't seem to get into Sam Bradford's face as often as they might have wanted, but the Vikings weren't able to capitalize.
The play that Lions fans will walk away always remembering is Darius Slay's interception as time winded down with the game tied at 13 to give Detroit a chance to win it all, which they did soon after.
Special Teams: A
Once again, kicker Matt Prater has filled the enormous shadow left by former Lions kicker Jason Hanson quite well. After Detroit's defense nabbed an interception on Minnesota's final drive, Stafford was able to get the Lions into field goal range and just about everyone in Ford Field knew what was coming next: A perfect Matt Prater kick for the win. They were not disappointed.
Prater also hit two other field goals during the game, including one for 48 yards. Kick returner Andre Roberts also returned two kickoffs for 49 yards; not too shabby.
Coaching: A-
Detroit head coach Jim Caldwell made a number of gutsy choices during the game, many of which were not only justified, but proved that the Lions were willing to take risks. The crowd celebrated when Caldwell threw the challenge flag after a bad call by officials on a pass interference play that cost the Lions big, but it was clear that Detroit nullified the play by tipping the pass.
Once that was overturned, Caldwell later wisely used the flag once again after a fourth down play came up short for the first down. The spot was certainly questionable after the replay, but despite the challenge, the officials ruled the Lions were short. Caldwell lost a timeout and his right to further challenges, but loss no points with the fans.
Up Next: Detroit heads down to New Orleans on Sunday, December 4 when the Lions play the Saints the at 1 p.m. EST.