Detroit Lions Lose Heartbreaker on Thanksgiving

The Detroit Lions snapped their three-game winning streak with a nail-biting loss 28 to 25 to the Buffalo Bills on Thanksgiving Day.

It came all the way down to the last five seconds of the game when the Bills we’re able to kick a field goal for the lead. With just two seconds left, the Lions weren’t able to get anything done.

Here are my takeaways from today’s game:

Offensive Resiliency

If this offense is anything, it’s resilient. Despite their struggles, especially early on in today’s game, they are typically able to adapt and overcome. That was the case today. The first drive was a three and out followed by their second drive that concluded in a touchdown. Their third drive, Jamaal Williams fumbled the ball, followed by their fourth drive that resulted in a touchdown even after Swift’s touchdown got called back.

The play action game for the Lions is legit. Jared Goff is running it extremely well, finding the underneath routes without hesitation.

The talk about the depth of the offensive toolbox came to fruition in this game. Jamaal Williams, DJ Chark and Amon-Ra St. Brown all came up with a touchdown, and D’Andre Swift was able to get in on some points with a 2-point conversion.

Has Swift found his grit back?

For weeks, it’s been clear that the same Swift that started the season is not here now. He lacked aggression, appearing hesitant and unsure of himself. Today there was a glimpse of the old back. Swift caught the ball and with zero hesitation darted straight up the field, powering himself through defenders to attempt to get the touchdown.

Amon-Ra St. Brown was another player that looked much more comfortable today. He would get his first touchdown since Week 2 and tally 108 yards on 10 catches.

Defense?

Defense looked promising, but came up short in situations it needed to be strong. Will Harris is a problem. He’s becoming a liability as the nickel and was left in the dust on several occasions.

Over his last five games, Will Harris has allowed 22 of the 26 passes thrown his way to be completed. Just got burned for the touchdown there, too. Give Aaron Glenn credit for figuring out some midseason solutions on defense, but man do they need help at cornerback in 2023
— kyle meinke (@kmeinke) November 24, 2022

Mobile quarterbacks continue to be a problem for the Lions. While Detroit was able to get three sacks, Josh Allen was still able to pick up 78 yards with his legs including a giant 21 yard rush in the first quarter leading to their first touchdown.

The James Houston Show

James Houston deserves his own section today. The rookie was pulled up from the practice squad yesterday and in his NFL debut produced a fumble recovery and two sacks on Josh Allen. Per the Lions PR, Houston is the only player in Lions history to produce a multi-sack game in their first-career NFL game.

H.B.C.U.
What a day it’s been for James Houston in his first NFL game — 2 sacks and a FR in three quarters. Jackson State product.
pic.twitter.com/daME3YcKVp
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) November 24, 2022

First Real Glimpse of DJ Chark

Chark missed a lot of time with an injury, but he’s back. Unlike when he played the first three games, Clark was much more comfortable and ingrained in the offense today. He required a lot of attention, which left St. Brown open more often. It’s promising to see him and Goff on the same page. He finished with 16 yards on 2 catches and his second touchdown as a Lion.