Raiders Score Late, Defeat Lions, 31-24
Oakland had the ball late in the fourth quarter. The Lions had just tied the game via a Matthew Stafford touchdown pass to J.D. McKissic.
At the end of the day, the Lions were unable to get enough defensive stops, and dropped their Week 9 tilt with the Raiders, 31-24.
Oakland was able to take advantage of their strengths along the offensive line, and rushed the ball effectively.
In the NFL, the game is won and lost in the trenches. And on Sunday, the Lions simply couldn't match the strength of the Raiders' offensive line.
Matt Patricia & Co. was well aware of the need to keep up offensively, and in the first half, they were able to do just that.
Stafford and Marvin Jones connected on a two-yard touchdown on the Lions' second possession of the game.
The Lions showed aggressiveness on that scoring drive by successfully going for it on fourth down.
The Lions' second scoring drive saw Stafford connect with Kenny Golladay to give the Lions a 14-10 lead.
Golladay, who celebrated his 26th birthday Sunday, was productive with over a hundred yards receiving and a touchdown grab.
In the first half, the Lions turned the ball over twice.
On the opening drive of the game, McKissic fumbled, and the Raiders recovered.
Also, Stafford threw an interception with six minutes remaining in the first half.
In the second half, the Raiders started with possession, and were able to fool the Lions with a fake punt.
After the Lions tied it in the fourth quarter, the Raiders marched up the field and proceeded to score.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr connected with Hunter Renfrow to put Oakland up for good, 31-24.
Stafford had an opportunity late to lead the Lions on a game-tying drive, but fell short.
The Lions fall to 3-4-1, and will face the Chicago Bears on the road next Sunday at Soldier Field.
