Takeaways from Lions' 26-14 Win against Raiders
Members of the Detroit Lions' roster were feeling festive prior to their primetime, nationally-televised contest against the Las Vegas Raiders.
All around Ford Field, supporters were celebrating a team that embodies the city.
Tracy Walker, Aidan Huchinson arrived wearing costumes, but nobody would mistake their true identity out on the football field.
Former offensive lineman Lomas Brown, who is a bridge from the past to the present, as he now serves as the team's radio analyst, entered the "Pride of the Lions" at halftime.
After 60 minutes of action in front of a loud, passionate home crowd, Detroit was able to overcome turnovers, mistakes and sloppy red-zone play to defeat the Raiders, 26-14.
Detroit now heads into the bye week with a record of 6-2 and an opportunity to bolster the roster even more at the trade deadline.
Here are several takeaways from the Lions' sixth victory of the season.
Lions feed Jahmyr Gibbs early and often
One of the early narratives of the Lions' season that has been debated often has been the actual value of drafting a running back with the No. 12 overall pick.
Early against a Raiders defense that has struggled mightily against the run, rookie Jahmyr Gibbs, who has been shouldering the bulk of carries in the absence of David Montgomery, was the focus of Detroit's offense on its first drive.
Gibbs recorded five rushes for 15 yards and three receptions for 20 yards on the opening possession that spanned seven minutes. Detroit took the early 3-0 lead after Riley Patterson successfully connected on a 44-yard field goal.
The first-year back recorded perhaps the most explosive run of his career in the third quarter. On the run, the Alabama product burst through the middle and then slipped outside, en route to a 27-yard touchdown run (his second of the season). It gave him 115 yards on 19 carries.
He finished the contest rushing for 152 yards on 26 carries. The first-round pick also tallied 37 yards on five receptions.
Kerby Joseph records first interception of season
Despite being recognized last week by defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn for playing well against the Baltimore Ravens, Detroit's second-year safety was growing increasingly unsatisfied, as he entered Week 8 without having secured an interception.
Joseph is known for his ball-hawking abilities, but teams have been wisely avoiding tossing the football in his direction this season.
Detroit's second offensive drive was cut short unexpectedly, as wideout Josh Reynolds had the football jarred loose by linebacker Luke Masterson.
On the next offensive snap for the Raiders, Detroit's talented safety secured his first pick of the season. It came on Jimmy Garoppolo's ninth interception of the season.
Blocking Maxx Crosby quite challenging
Among the game's top defensive linemen, Crosby lived up to the billing. All night long, Detroit's offensive line struggled to limit his effectiveness.
Detroit decided to start Kayode Awosika at left guard and rookie Colby Sorsdal at right guard, as Frank Ragnow was forced to miss his first game of the season.
The Lions deployed a zone-blocking scheme early in the game, leaving the backside end unblocked. As a result, plays away from Crosby often resulted in the end making the tackle from behind.
Midway through the second quarter, Crosby found himself unblocked, and he was able to contribute to limiting Detroit's offense to its third field goal of the half.
After working its way to the red zone, Detroit's drive stalled, and the Lions were forced to settle for a Patterson 33-yard field goal. It extended Detroit's lead to 9-0.
Sam LaPorta is trusted red-zone target
After the Raiders cut into Detroit's lead, Detroit answered immediately to end the half, and extend its lead to 16-7.
The Raiders were able to gash the interior of Detroit's defensive line on their first scoring drive.
LaPorta is the first tight end in NFL history to record three or more receptions and 35 or more yards in each of his first eight career games.
Detroit scored on its final three possessions of the first half, to enter the break with a nine-point lead. At the end of the half, Goff engineered a nine-play, 79-yard drive that was capped off by a LaPorta touchdown.
LaPorta secured six receptions for 44 yards in the first half.
Jared Goff gifts Raiders points to start second half
Detroit had started the second half with momentum, as the defense was able to stop the Raiders on their opening drive of the third quarter.
On the Lions' first drive of the second half, Gibbs was continuing his solid game, as the speedy back found open rushing lanes.
Unfortunately, though, Detroit's veteran signal-caller had a toss he certainly would like to have back.
Goff made a bad decision, throwing an errant pass that was intended for Amon-Ra St. Brown. Detroit's momentum was stalled instantly when the pass was easily intercepted by cornerback Marcus Peters.
The savvy defensive back took the gift from Goff, and ran it back 75 yards to cut Detroit's lead to 16-14.
It was an uncharacteristically sloppy game from Goff & Co.
Additionally, the Lions had a drive stall in the third quarter, on the heels of a controversial Craig Reynolds fumble.
Jimmy Garoppolo was a sitting target
Unfortunately for the Raiders, the veteran signal-caller simply could not evade the Lions' defensive line, when pressure was dialed up.
Detroit's pass-rush rebounded nicely after a disappointing performance against the Ravens last week.
The Lions brought the fans at Ford Field to their feet with several sacks, including three in the span of four plays on a fourth-quarter drive. Alim McNeill and Alex Anzalone each had two.
