Lions' Grades: David Montgomery Is Workhorse Leader
The Detroit Lions earned the right to play for first place with a strong start to the 2023 season.
On Thursday night, they proved that the division is theirs to lose.
With a methodical win over the Green Bay Packers, Detroit moves into first place, four games into the young season.
Here are the grades for each position group, based on the performance of each group in Sunday's game.
Quarterback: B
The Lions' first drive ended on a sour note, as Goff tossed an interception on his second pass attempt. It marked his third consecutive game with an interception, after going 10 straight without one.
However, his bounce-back drive was impressive as he led the team to a touchdown. He kept the team in the driver's seat the rest of the way, piloting the unit to a big lead and not making any mistakes to allow Green Bay to inch closer.
He made multiple on-point throws, including a strong throw to Josh Reynolds that allowed the wideout to make a one-handed catch. Goff also flashed his speed, with an 11-yard scramble in the red zone.
Goff finished with 210 passing yards, his lowest total of the season, and a touchdown to go with the interception. While not his best effort, he was steady, and once again did enough to keep the offense ahead of the chains the majority of the evening.
Running backs: A
David Montgomery made a statement in his return from injury. After missing last week with a thigh bruise, he rushed for 121 yards and three scores.
The bruiser got off to a slow start, as he had just 53 yards at halftime. With Detroit's lead dwindling, though, he anchored a run-first attack that controlled the clock and kept Detroit in front.
Montgomery's biggest run was just one yard, but it came at a crucial juncture. Facing a fourth-and-goal from the one with the lead down to 10, he crunched a defender at the point of attack and crossed the goal line for the third time.
Jahmyr Gibbs took a back seat as a result of the veteran's success, but still showed encouraging flashes. In 12 touches, he amassed 51 yards.
Wide receivers: A
Amon-Ra St. Brown and Josh Reynolds were both key parts in the passing game once again. Together, they have established a clear 1-2 punch amongst Detroit's wideouts.
Reynolds made two spectacular grabs, including a one-handed snag near the end of the first quarter. Later, he had a diving catch that moved the chains for Detroit in the fourth quarter.
St. Brown, meanwhile, dusted his defender on a crisp route and ran uncovered before Goff hit him for the game's first score.
Kalif Raymond also got in on the action. Though his only catch went for two yards, he notched a 40-yard run on a reverse. Marvin Jones had only one target but couldn't come up with the pass in the red zone.
Tight ends: B+
Sam LaPorta's first catch went for 35 yards, igniting the offense on its second drive after the first ended in an interception. He finished with four catches for 56 yards.
He did have a bad drop in the first half. However, he bounced back with a catch for a first down later in the drive.
Wright was open on Goff's scramble, though the passer was nearing the line of scrimmage when he broke off his route. Neither he nor James Mitchell had a target.
Offensive line: B-
Taylor Decker's return was key to Detroit's success in the run game. Still playing without Halapoulivaati Vaitai, the performance in the run game was adequate.
However, pass protection remained a struggle. Graham Glasgow in particular appeared to have a tough time, as he was penalized for holding. The Lions allowed two sacks.
Three linemen were penalized, showing that the flags flying last week may be more than just an aberration. This is an issue that must be cleaned up as the Lions progress throughout the season.
Defensive line: A+
After sacking Desmond Ridder seven times, the Lions defensive line proved that performance was no fluke. They got to Jordan Love for sacks five times and recorded 11 hurries.
Aidan Hutchinson, responsible for 1.5 sacks, recorded a career-high eight pressures Thursday as he continued to ascend toward an elite level. He nearly recorded a safety, but Love was able to get rid of the ball with his left hand while falling to the grass.
Alim McNeill, Isaiah Buggs, Charles Harris and John Cominsky all got to the quarterback for sacks as well. Cominsky had three hurries while McNeill had two.
Additionally, the run defense was once again stout. Green Bay mustered just 27 rushing yards total on just 12 rushing attempts.
Linebackers: B+
Alex Anzalone was once again steady, notching five tackles and a pass breakup. He was flying around the field. However, he was penalized for lowering his helmet on a questionable call.
Derrick Barnes had another tackle for loss, continuing his solid start to the 2023 campaign. He appears to have separated from Jack Campbell and Malcolm Rodriguez, though Campbell had a total of three tackles between defense and special teams.
Secondary: B
Jerry Jacobs is set to enter a competition for the starting cornerback position when Emmanuel Moseley returns to action in the near future. Thursday, he had highs and lows in what may be his final start before his counterpart returns.
He was flagged for pass interference as well as a neutral zone infraction, but also had two interceptions in the process. It truly was an up-and-down performance for Jacobs, who finished with four passes defensed and five tackles.
Cam Sutton was once again steady and finished with a tackle for loss. The lone Packers receiver who gave Detroit fits was Romeo Doubs, who had nine catches for 95 yards.
Brian Branch had a team-high seven tackles but left the game with injury twice. Initial returns on his evaluations are optimistic. When he left, replacement Will Harris was quickly burned for a long gain on the final play of the third quarter.
Special teams: B
Riley Patterson was a perfect 3-for-3 on field goal attempts to remain perfect on the season. While Jack Fox didn't have his best night punting, his first punt deflected off the hands of Jayden Reed resulting in a fumble that nearly got Detroit the ball back.
The Lions' coverage team did a good job on Keisean Nixon, an All-Pro returner who averaged 23 yards on his five kick returns. He did get loose on his only punt return late in the fourth quarter.
Chase Lucas was a key part of the special teams effort, as he had two tackles on kickoff coverage. Campbell also added two special teams stops.
Coaching: A-
Detroit came out on fire Thursday. Aside from the interception on the first possession, the Lions were rolling. Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn both had solid showings.
Glenn appears to have found his stride dialing up pass-rush schemes. The Lions were able to generate plenty of pressure on stunts alone, as much of the action in the first half came without bringing extra blitzes.
Johnson, meanwhile, played it safe throughout the evening, while mixing in creative plays, such as Raymond's end-around. Most of the offensive action was to the point, however, as it relied on the run game to waste clock when the game got close.
Ultimately, Campbell's team was clearly motivated and ready to play. Had halftime not come around, the Lions' momentum in the first half could've carried them to a much larger victory.
The reset came with adjustments, and Detroit started slow. However, it made the key plays when it mattered, and in the end, walked away with a statement win to claim first place in the NFC North.
