The Lions hit the road for the first time this season, heading out west to face an Arizona Cardinals team looking for a statement win of their own at home. Here are five things to watch out for in today's NFC matchup:
After talking to head coach Dan Campbell, offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, quarterback Jared Goff and a number of other players on offense this week about the troubles the team had in the red zone last week (1-for-7), the consensus is that the problem was a little bit of everything. Johnson wanted a couple calls back, Goff made a couple bad reads, there were some missed assignments from other players and a few other issues that popped up. All involved came to work Monday, watched the film, took the criticism and coaching, and feel pretty good about the adjustments they've made to rectify the problem heading into a matchup with a Cardinals team who enters Sunday ranked 22nd in red zone defensive efficiency (55.6 percent). "Yeah, there's a number of things you can look at from that game," Johnson said this week. "The thing I came away with is, there's always an importance on third down in the red zone, that's the difference between three points and seven points, we talk about that as an offense, and so our third downs down there weren't good enough. I believe we only had the one conversion there, which was a big one and resulted in a touchdown because of that. So, we have to be better there, that'll be our starting point here this week on red zone night."
Hutchinson's Sack Streak
Edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson recorded a career-high 4.5 sacks against the Bucs and has registered 10.5 sacks in his past four regular-season games dating back to Week 17 of last season. With two sacks at Arizona Sunday, Hutchinson can tie Hall of Famer Michael Strahan (12.5 sacks in 2001) for the most sacks by a player in a five-game span during the regular season since 1982, when the individual sack became an official statistic. The players with the most sacks in a five-game span since 1982 are: Strahan (12.5; 2001), Richard Dent (12; 1984), Aldon Smith (12; 2012) and Derrick Thomas (12, 1987-88). The Lions should have all five of their top defensive linemen available today for the first time this season with Marcus Davenport expected to play after sitting out last week, and DJ Reader set to play his second straight contest after sitting out Week 1.
Containing Kyler Murray
Having all five of those linemen up and available will be key for Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, who is tasked with formulating a plan to try and contain dynamic Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray. The Cardinals' offense is really humming right now. Murray became just the second player in NFL history to have 250 passing yards, 50 rushing yards and a perfect passer rating of 158.3 in a game in Arizona's blowout win over the Rams last week. Arizona is second in points scored (34.5), seventh in total offense (379.5) and fourth in rushing (177.4). They also have the league's No. 1 third-down offense at 58.3 percent. It will be a great test for the defense on Sunday, and it all starts with a front that's been a catalyst for that side of the ball this season.
Rookie Matchup
Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold missed some practice time this week with an illness and is listed as questionable, but if he plays we will see two rookies who mean a lot to their respective clubs square off in today's contest. Glenn referred to Arnold and veteran cornerback Carlton Davis III as cornerbacks 1A and 1AA. Arnold has had some rookie growing pains, being flagged for three pass interference penalties and a personal foul facemask penalty in two games. Glenn has talked to him this week about the difference in the physicality allowed between the college and pro game down the field. "It's just the rules are different, you're looked at different as far as just a defensive player knowing this is an offensive league," Glenn said. "I think those are things that are more important than anything else, of, 'Man, listen. You put your hands on these guys when you're at a certain part down the field, man, it's a good chance the ref's going to call it.' And that's just what it is, and he has to learn that. And the thing is, I have the ultimate confidence in that player and I'm good with learning – him learning as we go through this process. He's going to be a damn good player for us." We could see Arnold matched up against Cardinals rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. at points throughout the game. Harrison, the No. 4 overall pick in this year's NFL Draft, had a breakout game last week with 130 receiving yards and a couple touchdowns.
Goff After a Loss
Detroit didn't lose back-to-back games all of last season and they're looking to keep that up early this season. The Lions' offense has gotten off to a slower start than most expected given all their success last year, but one area where Goff really excelled last season was following those five losses. Goff combined to go 111-for-161 passing (69 percent) for 1,326 yards (265.2 avg.) with 11 touchdowns and just two interceptions in the games that followed a loss last season. Those numbers were good for a 111.45 passer rating. "I hope to have a short memory after a loss and after a win," Goff said. "I don't know what the numbers are after a loss, but it sounds like they're OK. But, yeah, I have a short memory, I have to. You win, you play well, you come back Monday, you watch it, you learn from it, and you move on. It's the same thing with a loss. I know externally it tends to stew more when there's a loss and it bleeds into late into the week, but for us, it's truly gone on Monday."
The Detroit Lions are coming back to Michigan on Sunday night with a 2-1 record after taking down the Arizona Cardinals, 20-13, in the first road trip of 2024. The Lions held off the Cardinals (1-2) in Week 3 of the NFL season with a strong defensive performance in the second half after building a 20-10 lead by halftime. The offense's early work was enough as the defense held Arizona's offense to just a field goal in the final 30 minutes. But the win came at a slight cost. Lions linebacker Derrick Barnes was ruled out with a knee injury suffered on the second drive after being carted off the field. Defensive tackle Alim McNeill was also downgraded to out with a shoulder injury suffered on the final drive of the first half. Rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold briefly left with a knee issue before returning in the second quarter. With just over five minutes left, Brian Branch joined the injured list with a neck injury after a scary collision with Trey McBride. The defense was already without linebacker Alex Anzalone, who was ruled out pregame with a concussion. On offense, tight end Sam LaPorta was in and out of the game dealing while with an ankle issue. The Lions extended their streak of not losing consecutive games since October 2022.
Post-Game Analysis: Lions Defense Shines, Offense Grinds Out Win
The Lions' defense proved to be the difference-maker in their Week 3 victory over the Cardinals. The unit forced two turnovers in the second half and limited the Cardinals' offense to just three points after halftime. The Lions' defense stifled the Cardinals' rushing attack, which entered the game averaging 177.4 yards per game, The Lions' defensive line was particularly effective, sacking Murray twice and applying consistent pressure throughout the contest. The game showcased the Lions' depth and resilience, as they overcame a number of injuries to key players to secure a crucial victory. While the offense wasn't dominant, it showed grit and efficiency when needed, The Lions' success in Week 3 was a testament to their strong team culture and their commitment to playing tough, disciplined football.
