The Detroit Lions are off to a rocky start this season, hampered by defensive lapses and inconsistent play from quarterback Jared Goff.
Fans hoped for a stronger start, especially after last season’s playoff victories against the same teams — the Los Angeles Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers — both of which they faced again at home.
The Lions were fortunate to split the results, securing one win and one loss. In the season opener, they squandered a 17-3 lead against Matthew Stafford’s Rams but rallied to force overtime, ultimately winning without Stafford getting another chance to take the field.
However, on Sunday, Jared Goff struggled to keep up with Baker Mayfield, resulting in a 20-16 loss to the Buccaneers. Now standing at 1-1, the Lions are preparing to face the Arizona Cardinals, fresh off a dominant 41-10 victory over the Rams.
“That score was a little lopsided, but that’s how they play,” Lions head coach Dan Campbell remarked on Monday. “They’re tricky on both sides of the ball — they’re unconventional in a lot of ways.”
Campbell specifically mentioned Arizona quarterback Kyler Murray, who has become even more dangerous with the addition of wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.
“When he breaks out of the pocket, he’s lethal,” Campbell said. “Now, he’s got a top target to go to.”
This poses a potential challenge for a Lions defense that has struggled to contain elite receivers in their first two games. Cooper Kupp racked up 14 receptions for 110 yards and a touchdown in the Rams game, while Tampa Bay’s Chris Godwin hauled in seven catches for 117 yards. Rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold has been flagged three times for pass interference, all inside the 5-yard line.
Despite these issues, the Lions do have a bright spot in defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, who notched 4 1/2 sacks against Tampa Bay’s injury-depleted offensive line.
“Aidan Hutchinson doesn’t have an off switch,” Mayfield said
Leave a Reply