aidan hutchinson – Page 10

Five key reasons for the Detroit Lions 20-16 loss to Tampa Bay Bucs

DETROIT — On the stats page, the Detroit Lions dominated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But on the field Detroit couldn’t take advantage of its chances and lost 20-16 at Ford Field on Sunday.

The Lions had the edge in first downs, 26-14; third-down efficiency, 7/17 to 2/10; total yards 463 to 216; and total plays 83 to 47. Sounds impressive but the scoreboard is what matters. Also, Detroit was just 1 of 7 in the Red Zone.

“We fought, we got down there, certainly on offense we doubled up on yardage, we get down to the red zone and can’t get TDs, that was the story of the game,’’ Lions coach Dan Campbell said. “Defensively I thought we played lights out, gave us two shots there at the end of the game and we couldn’t finish it out.’’

The Lions beat the Bucs twice last season — 20-6 in October and then a big divisional round win, 31-23, in January. With the win, the Bucs moved to 2-0 while the Lions fell to 1-1.

“It’s early in the year but it’s a good learning experience and chance for us to dive into what went wrong and how can we fix it,’’ quarterback Jared Goff said. “If I remember correctly we started 1-1 last year and we were able to respond from that pretty well.’’

Here are five of the main reasons the Lions lost:

ONE: At the end of the first half, the Lions had second-and-10 at Tampa’s 17-yard line with 18 seconds left. Amon-Ra St. Brown caught an 8-yard pass up the middle, Goff spiked the ball leaving 4 seconds but the Lions were penalized for 12 men on the field and the half was over. If they had made a field goal, they wouldn’t have needed a touchdown in the fourth quarter, they could have won with just another 3 points. “It’s a massive error on my part no one else’s,’’ Campbell said. “It was between hurry-up field goal and clocking it, it was 100 percent my fault.’’

TWO: Going 1 for 7 in the red zone was a killer. “We just never felt real comfortable and once you get out far enough and you end up in these third-and-longs in the red zone that’s where it gets pretty hard, when getting close to 10-yd line it’s hard to throw it from there from what they could do coverage-wise,’’ Campbell said. “We couldn’t quite get the rhythm, we couldn’t get in sync and ultimately it hurt us.’’ Detroit was at Tampa’s 11-yard line on a fourth-and-8 with 1:01 remaining. A 5-yard pass to Jahmyr Gibbs, turned the ball over to the Bucs. Goff said the Bucs’ defense got “really stingy” in the red zone.

THREE: Goff threw a pair of interceptions, including his first pass of the game. On that one it looked to him like Jameson Williams was man-handled but no pass interference call was made. He finished the game 34 of 55 for 307 yards, zero touchdowns and those 2 interceptions. Campbell is not worried about Goff. “He’ll rebound. Has he played better? Yeah, he’s played better. I know him, he never stays down,’’ Campbell said. “… He’s going to take ownership and he’s going to be better. That’s the way he’s wired and that’s what makes him who he is.’’

FOUR: Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield completed just a dozen passes (185 yards) and was sacked five times. He threw one touchdown pass and one interception. He also carried the ball five times for 34 yards. Even though his numbers weren’t spectacular he was in control. That was not a surprise.

FIVE: Aidan Hutchinson was an edge rusher on a mission, finishing with 4.5 sacks. “His motor is unbelievable. To be able to play at the rate he plays at, at that intensity for that many snaps in a game, it’s rare,’’ Campbell said. “On top of that he’s got talent and he’s continued to develop his different moves.’’ Detroit’s defense held the Bucs numbers down but also allowed too many chunk plays including a 41-yard touchdown play by Chris Godwin.

UP NEXT: Lions at Arizona Cardinals, 4:25 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 22.

Five things to watch as Lions open season hosting Stafford, Rams

Intriguing matchups provide an extra bump to the NFL’s opening weekend. None more so than when the Detroit Lions host Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday night football. The schedule makers were not fooling around by pairing up these teams.

The Lions ended the Rams playoff hopes when they beat them 24-23 in a wild card victory in January at Ford Field. It was loud, it was raucous and the Lions were just getting in playoff gear.

Sunday night’s game will feature teams that have tweaked their rosters and learned from last season.

“This to me is a better team than what we faced last year just looking at their personnel coming in. I feel like this is a better offensive line, I feel like this is a better D-line. I understand they lost (former Rams DL Aaron) Donald, but what I think they gain is youth and collectively, that front is – I’ve said it before, they’re young, they’re hungry, they’re high motor. They’re going to push us,’’ Lions coach Dan Campbell said.

“The backs, on top of Stafford being who he is and mastering this offense and the ability to really – I mean he’s kind of got everything at his disposal to do what he needs to. So, I just feel like it’s a – they’ve developed,’’ Campbell said.

However he knows what he’s got at his disposal too.

“I think they’re going to be a better team, but I feel like we’re better too. So, I feel like you’re getting two teams that are better. Now, this is game one, this is Week 1, but I feel like both of us have improved and we’re getting ready to head off here Sunday night,’’ Campbell said.

FIVE THINGS TO WATCH:

1. Right out of the gate the Lions new-look secondary again will be challenged with Matthew Stafford throwing to the dynamic receiving duo of Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacoa.

“They do the dirty work, they’re very much a part of the run game with the way that they block and insert and take on backers and safeties and everything, but then they play tough. They play tough in the pass game. They play fast. I think they’re physical, I think they attack the football, I think they’re hard to get down, run after catch, so the element of their game, it translates to this League,’’ Campbell said.

Lions rookie CB Terrion Arnold is ready to go. “He does not lack confidence, OK?’’ Campbell added. The secondary includes CB Carlton Davis III, DB Brian Branch and S Kerby Joseph along with CB Amik Robertson and rookie CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr.

2. Quarterback Jared Goff said he is not sure if he’ll ever experience the way the fans embraced him last year with the Jar-ed Goff chant. Here’s a hint, if the Lions continue their winning ways and take it a step farther to the Super Bowl, the chants may get even louder. “Just the organic feeling of that and how it all came together and that support obviously means the world to me and made me feel pretty good and obviously I’m happy to be here and continue to be their quarterback,’’ Goff said.

The quarterback had a stellar training camp and now can help get the Lions over the hump.

“A steady, reliable guy behind center who is going to do what we ask him to do. We take care of him, he’ll take care of the football. He’s going to move it, he’ll be efficient, he’ll be our captain,’’ Campbell said.

“So, we got that and through the years, these last three years, he’s just continued to grow and gotten better and gotten better, and honestly, I think he just wants more, and he continues to challenge himself and the more he does that, the more we load him up. The more we ask him to do, the more we put on his plate because he can handle it and he wants it. So, where he’s able to go, our offense is able to go. So, we ask him to do a lot, and we’re going to ask him to do a little bit more than he did last year because he can handle it. He’s proven that. He’s playing at a high level, and he also knows he doesn’t have to do this all on his own,” the coach added.

3. One major difference in facing the Rams this season is that DL Aaron Donald is retired.

“You needed to know where he was at, at all times, really on all downs. So, it was a constantly – you were shifting and motioning just for him, and you’re damn near doing it every play,’’ Campbell said. “Then, you’re trying to find a way to chip on one side and it’s really not for the tackle, it’s so the tackle can help the guard for him on Donald. But yes, it’s nice not to have to necessarily worry about him, but they’ve got – the guys they have over there are young and hungry, high motor, they have an influx of youth that’s pretty damn talented and there again, I think these guys go now. They got plenty up front, believe me. They’ve got plenty.”

4. Three of the Lions best young players — WR Jameson Williams, TE Sam LaPorta and RB Jahmyr Gibbs — have helped revolutionize the offense. Like the rest of the team, they are hungry and should have big contributions this season starting on Sunday night.

“All of them have grown. First of all, it starts with having guys that understand what you expect out of them and then what their role is in this offense and what we’re asking them to do,’’ Campbell said. “I think more importantly, any player that you have, it’s one thing to say, ‘This is what we need you to do, want you to do on this because this is your – this will be your throw. We think they’re going to play this coverage, you are No. 1 in the progression.’ That’s kind of easy, right? Because it’s, ‘Man, I’m getting this ball, so I’m attentive.’ But it’s the others where, you’re number three in the progression, you have to get to inside of the numbers, you have to get all the 15 yards. If you’re too fast on this, it’s those things, ‘Where do you really fit into the concept? What is your piece of the puzzle?’ And understand that.’’

Many of LaPorta’s catches last season came when he was the No. 2 or 3 in the progression.

“Now he had plenty where we got to where he was No. 1, but he had a ton of those and it’s because of attention to detail and understanding what we wanted and when we needed him when Goff had to get all the way through it, there he is,’’ Campbell said. “He’s open, he’s available. I think all those guys understanding that and growing in that have gotten better. It’s always going to be attention to detail and look, they’re attentive guys, they want it. We mentioned Jamo earlier about – he wants it. He’s receptive, he’s open to it, he takes the coaching, he tries to improve on it, and I would say all those guys are that way.”

5. The Lions definitely will have a homefield advantage for the nationally televised game. “It’s our job to continue to excite our fan base. I’ve said it before, they’re going to do their part, they’re going to do their part. As long as we handle our business, it’ll be a – this place for us, this city, that stadium, it will be home field advantage,’’ Campbell said. “It will, and not every team can say that in this League at their own place.”

FIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH: After all five had standout training camps, much is expected from WR Jameson Williams, DL Levi Onwuzurike, CB Terrion Arnold and EDGE Marcus Davenport. Undrafted rookie WR Isaiah Williams may not see much playing time, but keep an eye out for No. 83.

INJURY UPDATE: Lions — S Ifeatu Melifonwu (ankle) is doubtful, DL D.J. Reader (quadricep) is questionable and S Loren Strickland (thumb) is out.

FEARLESS PREDICTION: Lions 27, Rams 21.

Are the Detroit Lions America’s team? Five reasons why they’ve earned the title

The Cowboys, once America’s team, are so yesterday.

How exactly does an NFL team turn itself into America’s team? Is there a caucus? A primary? Winning is key. Add in hard work, physicality, perseverance, humility and a super-sized dose of charisma.

As the playoff wins pile up it’s becoming more apparent, the Detroit Lions have claimed the once-elusive title of America’s team. Even the New York Post proclaimed “The Real America’s Team: Lovable Lions just one win away from Supe after beating Bucs.”

It’s been a journey which may have started when coach Dan Campbell attracted fans through the up-close examination of all that is Honolulu Blue via HBO’s “Hard Knocks.”

It ramped up when they won eight of their final 10 games in 2022 after an 1-6 start.

It hit new heights when an electrified Ford Field, during wins over the Rams and Bucs, caught the eye of NFL fans who love to cheer for the underdog.

And now, here the Lions are one win away from the Super Bowl. It’ll be a tough matchup at the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday but coach Dan Campbell said they will be ready.

None of this was an accident.

“We were intentional about being about grit and earning it. … We went through darkness and it shaped us for this moment,’’ GM Brad Holmes said in the locker room immediately after the wildcard win over the Rams.

Before that game – the franchise’s first playoff win in 32 years – Campbell said his bunch was “scarred to perfection.”

Not convinced? Five reasons why the Lions are America’s Team:

1. The quarterback. Jared Goff may be a California guy at heart, but he’s got ice in his veins – the perfect temp for a quarterback. He lived through a 3-13 season in 2021 and came out better for it. He’s loved by his teammates, the coaches and the fans. A fan video appeared on Facebook after the Rams win of Goff in an SUV passenger seat leaving Ford Field, the windows down and a fan yelling “You’re the King of Detroit.” Actually Goff said that happened after the win over Denver, but it indeed happened. The sentiment remains the same.

2. The coach. Dan Campbell was the perfect man for this monumental turn-around. He’s got the respect of the team because he respects them. When he screws up – and he has at points – he’s the first to admit it. He’s famous for his “biting kneecaps” comment when hired, but perhaps that is just what needed to be said. He and Holmes have a profile for players they seek and it’s not all about football. It’s about the type of people and if they’ll fit in. “This will be an outstanding test for us but it’s one we’re ready for, we’re built to handle this,’’ Campbell said on Wednesday in preparation for facing the 49ers.

3. The bad boy. Aidan Hutchinson, in just his second season, is all about pressure. His spin move has become his trademark. In the two playoff games he was good for three sacks, eight quarterback hits and 10 tackles. He’s about attitude too. Campbell said his defense is a salty group and that description definitely fits Hutchinson. Before he played an NFL snap he came to the forefront with his rendition of “Billie Jean” on “Hard Knocks.” Many fans have a special place in their heart for him because of his Maize and Blue roots. Honorable mention to Kerby Joseph, one tough football-playing dude, and linebacker Alex Anzalone who leads the defense in tackles.

4. The rookies. Tight end Sam LaPorta, running back Jahmyr Gibbs, linebacker Jack Campbell and safety Brian Branch were expected to contribute right away. They have and they’ve just gotten better as the season and playoffs have worn on. LaPorta, who had a touchdown catch against the Rams, finished with nine catches against the Bucs in the divisional round setting a single-game NFL postseason record among rookie tight ends. The speedy Gibbs has rushed for a TD in each of the first two playoff games. DB Brian Branch opened the season with an interception returned for a touchdown and has kept up the intensity. In the two playoff games he has combined for 16 tackles, one sack and two tackles for loss. LB Jack Campbell has grown into his role with Dan Campbell saying that his best game to date was in the win over the Vikings to end the season.

5. The fans. Go ahead, name a better fan base. I’m waiting. They’ve lived and died with their team since the last playoff win on Jan. 5, 1992. New coaches, new GMs, Hall of Famers retiring early – they’ve lived through it all. Then there was the promise of a new season at every training camp. A 3-13-1 inaugural season for Campbell who was a tight end for the Lions in 2008 during their 0-16 season. This season the fans at Ford Field (and on the road) have been amazingly loud and electric and they took it up a notch during the two home playoff games. Perhaps ESPN’s Steve Levy, who was at Sunday’s game said it best on ‘X’: Ford Field yesterday was the loudest stadium I’ve ever been in. And yet the silence, when the Lions were on ‘Goffense’ was remarkable. Fewest visiting fans I’ve ever seen at a major sporting event. Might just be the best gameday experience in the NFL. Well done Detroit.”