Studs and Duds: Jared Goff Surgical as Lions Lack Run Game
The Detroit Lions put on a defensive clinic in the second half, and used Jared Goff's arm to prevail in a tough road matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Buccaneers neutralized Detroit's run game, so Goff responded by putting on an exceptional performance. The Lions won, 20-6, to improve to 5-1, as the defense held its opponent without a touchdown for the second time this season.
Here are the studs and duds from Sunday's performance.
STUD: WR Amon-Ra St. Brown
It was a career day for the third-year wideout, as he notched personal bests in receptions and receiving yards against the Buccaneers. In total, St. Brown finished with 12 catches for 124 yards and a touchdown.
His scoring grab was particularly impressive, as he snagged a short pass from Goff and used a big block from Craig Reynolds to maneuver his way to the end zone.
The USC product was a conversion machine throughout the second half. At one point in the fourth quarter, four consecutive completions went to St. Brown, as he helped lead the offense down the field.
STUD: LB Alex Anzalone
Anzalone has been reliable in all facets for Detroit's defense throughout the season. Sunday was no different, as he led the team in tackles with nine.
In addition to his strong efforts against the run, he broke up two passes working in coverage. He also finished off the tackle for loss that was caused by Charles Harris bursting past the Buccaneers' offensive line.
DUD: Run game
The Buccaneers, led by defensive-minded head coach Todd Bowles, caused plenty of problems for the Lions up front. Their unique array of stunts made life difficult for Detroit's run game.
David Montgomery's second quarter injury didn't help matters, as Detroit rushed for just 40 yards as a team on 22 attempts. Craig Reynolds, who stepped in for Montgomery, had just 15 yards on 10 carries.
STUD: WR Jameson Williams
Through the first half, Jameson Williams was largely a non-factor for Detroit's offense. However, a stretch in the third quarter served as a reminder as to why the organization felt so strongly about drafting him just a year ago.
After securing his first catch of the game earlier in the drive, Williams made an impressive touchdown grab working against tight coverage in the third quarter. He used his speed to separate, then his athleticism to secure the pass with a defender draped on him.
Williams has dealt with stops and starts throughout his brief NFL career. However, Sunday's showing proved that there's still plenty to be excited about when it comes to his potential impact on the offense.
STUD: QB Jared Goff
Without a run game to speak of, the Lions leaned on Goff to carry them in the second half. Holding a seven-point lead at the break, the passer appeared uncomfortable with Buccaneer defenders constantly in the backfield.
However, he turned the page and delivered a masterclass in the final two quarters. In that stretch, he was 18-for-25 for 203 yards and a touchdown. In total, he completed 30 passes for 353 yards and two scores. He distributed the ball to 10 different players, keeping the defense off balance.
The 353 yards serves as his highest total this season and the first time he's surpassed 350 passing yards since Week 16 of last season. He was surgical late in the game, picking apart Tampa Bay's aggressive defense and connecting with Amon-Ra St. Brown for conversions.
DUD: Offensive line
The Lions were without Jonah Jackson and struggled to get rolling up front in his absence. The run game struggles were adamant, as they struggled to handle Tampa Bay's strong defensive line.
Additionally, Bowles dialed up several blitzes that put the heat on Goff. They recorded three sacks, with one coming from Lavonte David, one from Joe Tryon and another from rookie Calijah Kancey.
STUD: LB Jack Campbell
The rookie out of Iowa had an encouraging showing Sunday. Making his second career start at linebacker, Campbell finished with seven tackles.
He appeared to be in control of his role, demonstrating a confidence in getting to the correct coverage zones. There were occasional lapses in coverage, but it was an impressive all-around showcase.
Dan Campbell said more playing time was coming for the Hawkeyes product earlier in the week. That manifested itself Sunday, leading to an impressive showing for the first-year pro.
