Team Grades: Lions Demolish Eagles On Thanksgiving For Third Straight Win
By Danny Cox
A three-game winning streak is something that many in Detroit are thankful for after the 45-14 rout of the Philadelphia Eagles on Thanksgiving Day. Many are thrilled that the team has gotten on track and has put the awful start of the season behind them, but many others are wondering just where this Lions team has been all year.
Offense: A
Even with a running game that still isn't doing much, this was one of the most complete games of the season for the offense of the Detroit Lions. Ameer Abdullah had a decent game on the ground with 63 yards on 16 carries. Joique Bell had just 25 yards, but did get into the end zone once on the day.
Matthew Stafford just lit it up on Thanksgiving with 337 yards and five touchdowns, three of which went to Calvin Johnson as he hauled in eight receptions for 93 yards. Everyone was getting involved in the passing game as three players had over 50 yards receiving in a great day for the Lions.
Defense: A+
It doesn't matter that it was Mark Sanchez starting at quarterback for the Eagles instead of Sam Bradford, as the Lions had Philly's number. Sanchez was sacked six times and threw for just 159 yards while the Eagles ran for a mere 60 yards as a team.
The day belonged to defensive end Ezekiel Ansah who had 3.5 sacks all on his own to bring his season total to eight. Ansah was in the offensive backfield all day and hounding Sanchez who led an offense that could do nothing.
Special Teams: B+
There wasn't much of a return game in either the punt or kickoff department. Sam Martin did a good job with an average of 41 yards per punt on the day, but it was Matt Prater bringing home all the points. Prater hit his lone field goal attempt of 48 yards and knocked through all six extra point attempts for nine points on the day.
Coaching: A
After the last three games, Lions head coach Jim Caldwell may have just saved his job. The Lions gameplan appeared to consist of constantly attacking the Eagles defense and it worked. Just about everything was on point for Detroit, and it might have been even more lopsided if the running game could have finally gotten going.
The Detroit Lions have won three in a row and looked impressive while doing it as well. Their remaining schedule isn't the easiest, but the way they've been playing lately, it doesn't really seem to matter.
Danny Cox knows a little something about the NFL, whether it means letting you know what penalty will come from the flag just thrown on the field or quickly spouting off who the Chicago Bears drafted in the first round of the 1987 draft (Jim Harbaugh). He plans on bringing you the best news, previews, recaps, and anything else that may come along with the exciting world of the National Football League. Danny is a freelance writer covering all things NFL. His work can be found on Examiner.com.