Sunday, December 17, 2023

Morning Lions Links for Sunday 12-17-23

Articles:

NOTEBOOK: What Lions' playoff picture looks like after win over Broncos:   https://www.detroitlions.com/news/notebook-what-lions-playoff-picture-looks-like-after-win-over-broncos

FOUR DOWNS: Rookies Gibbs & LaPorta combine for 5 TDs in win over Broncos:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/four-downs-rookies-gibbs-laporta-combine-for-5-tds-in-win-over-broncos


Inside the Lions’ locker room: Ultimate team win and new wrinkles power defense:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/12/inside-the-lions-locker-room-ultimate-team-win-and-new-wrinkles-power-defense.html


What’s being said nationally after Lions reach 10 wins after stomping Broncos:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/12/whats-being-said-nationally-after-lions-reach-10-wins-after-stomping-broncos.html

Playoff picture: Lions can make postseason this weekend, need 1 win to take North:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/12/playoff-picture-lions-can-make-postseason-this-weekend-need-1-win-to-take-north.html

Broncos’ Sean Payton says Lions ‘kicked our butts,’ praised Dan Campbell’s aggressiveness:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/12/broncos-sean-payton-says-lions-kicked-our-butts-and-praised-dan-campbells-aggressiveness.html

New starters in defensive backfield impress in big-time win for Detroit Lions:   https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/12/new-starters-in-defensive-backfield-impress-in-big-time-win-for-detroit-lions.html

Instant observations: Lions blast Broncos for 10th win, can clinch North next week:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/12/instant-observations-lions-blast-broncos-for-10th-win-can-clinch-north-next-week.html


New starters in defensive backfield impress in big-time win for Detroit Lions:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/12/new-starters-in-defensive-backfield-impress-in-big-time-win-for-detroit-lions.html

Lions fans roar with approval of 10th win: 'Can we play all our games in prime time?':  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2023/12/17/detroit-lions-42-17-win-denver-broncos-fans-react/71949683007/










7 Winners From Lions' Dominant Win Over Broncos:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/winners-lions-blowout-win-broncos

Lions' Offense Shines, Defense Befuddles Broncos in 42-17 Win:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/takeaways-lions-blowout-win-broncos




NFC playoff picture: Detroit Lions on verge of clinching playoffs, division:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2023/12/16/24004601/nfc-playoff-picture-detroit-lions-verge-clinching-playoffs-division


Five reasons the Lions bounced back with a 42-17 win over the Broncos:   https://lionslowdown.com/2023/12/17/five-reasons-the-lions-bounced-back-with-a-42-17-win-over-the-broncos/


Best, worst of NFL Week 15: Bengals, Colts strengthen playoff position with wins (Detroit 42, Denver 17.  Lions:  Did the Lions' offense get its swagger back? After a 13-point performance that Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown described as "disappointing" and "frustrating" during last week's loss to the Chicago Bears, the Lions responded with a strong win at home over Denver with a solid output on both sides of the ball. St. Brown was coming off a season-low 21 receiving yards while veteran QB Jared Goff committed nine turnovers over a four-game stretch before facing the Broncos. They both stepped up as St. Brown registered 102 receiving yards with a TD while Goff threw five touchdowns without a turnover.  Stock up after the win: Sam LaPorta. The rookie tight end bounced back from a two-catch game at Chicago to set the franchise's new mark for rookie tight ends with nine touchdowns on the season and three on the night.  Stock down after the win: Third quarters. The Lions continue trying to find ways to improve their third-quarter struggles as they were outscored 10-7 in the third for the third straight week. During the week, Goff said they needed to be better execution and focus coming out of halftime, and although it didn't hurt them in this game, it's still something to fix. -- Eric Woodyard):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/39099854/nfl-week-15-2023-questions-risers-fallers-takeaways-lessons-stats


Jared Goff throws 5 TD passes as NFC North-leading Lions bounce back, beat Broncos 42-17:  https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap/_/gameId/401547606

NFL Week 15 Game Recap: Detroit Lions 42, Denver Broncos 17:  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-week-15-game-recap-detroit-lions-42-denver-broncos-17

What We Learned from CIN, IND, DET wins on Sat (Bobby Kownack's takeaways:  1. Detroit wakes up and then some. After watching two losses and 10 turnovers over the past month of games, Lions fans would be forgiven for sweating a bit when the first quarter yielded three punts from the offense. Jared Goff and Co. assuaged any lingering concerns the rest of the way, however, going into hyperdrive against a defense that has been dominant since the middle of October. They attacked in a variety of ways, all of which were resoundingly successful, to at one point score five straight touchdowns on drives of 80, 61, 81, 75 and 75 yards. David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs continued to evolve as one of the league’s most fearsome backfield duos, combining for 185 yards and a Gibbs rushing score on 28 carries. Gibbs was especially electrifying, breaking ankles with regularity to average 9.1 yards per tote, zipping around containment and also scoring on a TD reception. Goff, who has been responsible for four of the aforementioned turnovers during Detroit’s sketchy patch of play, was a surgeon. He was especially good throwing quick, and he finished the night 24 of 34 for 278 yards, a 134.6 passer rating and five scores. An incredible three of those went to Gibbs’ fellow rookie standout, Sam LaPorta, and the others went to Gibbs and Amon-Ra St. Brown, who put Denver to the torch with seven catches for 112 yards. It’s hard to stop the Lions when even a few of their stars are performing. Tonight they all were.  2. Denver misfires too often to keep pace. A Russell Wilson fumble in the red zone set the tone for the Broncos’ night. After his defense forced a punt on Detroit’s opening possession, Wilson wasted no time hitting Jerry Jeudy for a 40-yard pick up. Another chain-moving play right after had Denver at the opposing 20-yard line, but the offense came away with no points after the QB fumbled on a strip sack. Four punts followed, and Wilson managed just two completions for 18 more passing yards outside the first drive by halftime. And although he and the Broncos rebounded with scores on both of their third-quarter drives, Denver still left points on the board with mistakes like an offensive offsides on fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line. That resulted in a field goal, a 28-10 deficit heading into the final frame and Sean Payton yelling at Wilson on the sidelines. The struggles were compounded by a defense that looked lost like it had toward the beginning of the season. Over the last eight games before Saturday, six of which have been wins, Denver had allowed just 16 points per contest. Tonight, it allowed 6.6 yards per carry and gave up five straight TD drives that took 4:07 or shorter despite all going for 60-plus yards. Goff took 72.2% of his drop backs without pressure, and it showed on the scoreboard. Detroit’s 42 points are the most Denver has given up since Week.  3. Lions enjoy most complete game in weeks. Dan Campbell’s bunch had not been playing its best football in five games following their bye. They hadn’t won by more than five points, dropped two divisional games and were giving up 29.8 points per contest. But just as the Lions’ offense made another statement tonight, the defense showed it still has the gusto to make a difference beyond the regular season. Detroit suffocated Denver’s running game, allowing just 62 total rushing yards and limiting Javonte Williams’ team-high 12 attempts to an average of 2.7 yards per carry. Doing so helped contain Wilson and the passing offense, even if the Broncos managed to pad some stats when the game was far out of reach. Wilson was under pressure on 51.4% of his drop backs -- a league-leading fifth time over 50% this season, per Next Gen Stats -- and he seemed to be following through while taking contact with regularity. Ifeatu Melifonwu was a standout, logging one of the team’s two sacks, forcing a red-zone fumble and breaking up two passes. One of his passes defensed was particularly highlight-worthy, as it involved a perfect punch out on a Wilson deep shot that looked primed for either a TD or a goal-to-go situation. The 10-4 Lions are now, at most, one result (Seattle losing) away from their first postseason berth since 2016. If they can build off this, the rest of the NFC contenders are in trouble.  Next Gen stat of the game: Jared Goff threw all five of his touchdown passes targeting in-breaking routes, the most in a game by a quarterback over the last six seasons (since 2018).  NFL Research: Amon-Ra St. Brown (290 career receptions) passed Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry for the fourth-most receptions by a player in their first three seasons in NFL history. St. Brown now trails only Justin Jefferson, Michael Thomas and Christian McCaffrey with three games left to go in his third season.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/2023-nfl-season-week-15-what-we-learned-from-saturdays-games

Lions vs. Broncos score, takeaways: Jared Goff dices up Denver's defense as Detroit cruises to blowout win: https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/lions-vs-broncos-score-takeaways-jared-goff-dices-up-denvers-defense-as-detroit-cruises-to-blowout-win/live/


Lions get their mojo back in dominant win as young players, healthy O-line stand out:  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/lions-get-their-mojo-back-in-dominant-win-as-young-players-healthy-o-line-stand-out

Lions move one step closer to playoffs with dominant 42-17 win over Broncos:  https://sports.yahoo.com/lions-move-one-step-closer-to-playoffs-with-dominant-42-17-win-over-broncos-042109104.html

NFL Saturday Week 15 results: Lions run over Broncos; Colts and Bengals also notch wins:  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-saturday-week-15-results-lions-run-over-broncos-colts-and-bengals-also-notch-wins-041835892.html



NFL winners, losers of Saturday: Bengals make big move as Vikings, Steelers stumble again (Winners - Jared Goff: After accounting for seven touchdowns and nine turnovers over his previous four games, Detroit’s quarterback tied a career high by going off for five TD passes on Saturday night and driving the Lions closer to their first-ever NFC North crown.  Detroit's run game: Rhythm and Bruise, anyone? It most definitely wasn't all Goff, veteran RB David Montgomery combining with first-round rookie Jahmyr Gibbs for 185 yards (on 28 collective carries) on the ground. Gibbs' 12-yard scoring run early in the fourth quarter effectively ended the game.):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/columnist/nate-davis/2023/12/16/nfl-winners-losers-saturday-bengals-lions-broncos-colts-steelers/71949633007/

Lions on brink of first playoff appearance since 2016 after blowout win:  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2023/12/16/detroit-lions-defeat-denver-broncos/71949698007/

Twitter reacts to the Lions' 42-17 wrecking of the Broncos:  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/lions-wreck-broncos-42-17-twitter-reacts/

Sean Payton chewed out Russell Wilson after an offsides call erased a Broncos TD:  https://ftw.usatoday.com/2023/12/sean-payton-russell-wilson-chewed-out-bronocs-offsides-penalty

5 awesome photos of Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown flipping into the end zone vs. the Broncos:   https://ftw.usatoday.com/lists/amon-ra-st-brown-lions-broncos-flip-touchdown








Grades:

CBS (Lions - A+.  What could the Lions have done better, honestly? Everyone rightfully got a little skeptical of their prowess due to a recent string of tight games and turnovers, but they responded by picking apart Denver's defense, with Jared Goff spreading the ball around and effortlessly dominating the red zone by targeting Sam LaPorta and Amon-Ra St. Brown. Perhaps even better, Aaron Glenn's defense showed some real fight, getting after Russell Wilson early and completely swallowing up Denver's rushing attack. The 42-17 score shows a Lions blowout, but it was even more lopsided than that. Yes, they've still got hurdles to clear against superior foes come playoff time, but for now, this club is all the way back on track.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-15-saturday-grades-lions-get-a-for-broncos-beatdown-bengals-earn-b-for-overtime-win-vs-vikings/

Video:

Jared Goff's best plays in 5-TD game Week 15:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/jared-goff-s-best-plays-in-5-td-game-week-15

Amon-Ra St. Brown's best plays from 112-yard game Week 15:   https://www.detroitlions.com/video/amon-ra-st-brown-s-best-plays-from-112-yard-game-week-15

Lions vs. Broncos: Full highlights:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/lions-vs-broncos-full-highlights

HIGHLIGHT: Goff adds on to Lions' dominant performance with LaPorta TD:   https://www.detroitlions.com/video/highlight-goff-adds-on-to-lions-dominant-performance-with-laporta-td

HIGHLIGHT: Gibbs scores his second TD of the night:   https://www.detroitlions.com/video/highlight-gibbs-scores-his-second-td-of-the-night

HIGHLIGHT: Goff delivers 3-yard laser to LaPorta for TD:   https://www.detroitlions.com/video/highlight-goff-delivers-3-yard-laser-to-laporta-for-td

HIGHLIGHT: St. Brown's TD comes on acrobatic front-flip into end zone:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/highlight-st-brown-s-td-comes-on-acrobatic-front-flip-into-end-zone

Jared Goff dots effortless TD pass to Jahmyr Gibbs for rookie's first receiving score:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/highlight-goff-dots-effortless-td-pass-to-gibbs-for-rookie-s-first-receiving-sco

Goff's 19-yard loft pinpoints LaPorta on wheel route TD:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/highlight-goff-finds-laporta-for-19-yard-td

David Montgomery trucks his way through defenders on fourth down:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/david-montgomery-trucks-his-way-through-defenders-on-fourth-down


Amon-Ra St. Brown has a full head of steam on 29-yard catch and run:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/amon-ra-st-brown-has-a-full-head-of-steam-on-29-yard-catch-and-run

Jahmyr Gibbs finds a lane and bursts through defenders on 21-yard run:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/jahmyr-gibbs-finds-a-lane-and-bursts-through-defenders-on-21-yard-run

Jared Goff's chemistry with Josh Reynolds shines on 21-yard connection:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/jared-goff-s-chemistry-with-josh-reynolds-shines-on-21-yard-connection

Amon-Ra St-Brown makes two tackles miss on 21-yard catch and run:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/amon-ra-st-brown-makes-two-tackles-miss-on-21-yard-catch-and-run

Joshua Pascal would not be denied his first sack of '23:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/highlight-paschal-gets-to-wilson-for-sack

HIGHLIGHT: Buggs rumbles for 33 yards after Melifonwu's sack-fumble of Wilson:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/highlight-buggs-rumbles-for-33-yards-after-melifonwu-s-sack-fumble-of-wilson







Video recap: Detroit Lions flex all-around muscle in blowout win over Broncos:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/12/video-recap-detroit-lions-flex-all-around-muscle-in-blowout-win-over-broncos.html
Posted by LionsFan at 5:04 AM

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