The Detroit Lions headed to the unfriendly confines of Gillette Stadium for a matchup against the New England Patriots looking for a victory following a pair of disappointing losses. For New England, it’s 3rd stringer Bailey Zappe getting his first NFL start thanks to injuries to Mac Jones and Brian Hoyer.
Meanwhile, the Lions came into the afternoon severely shorthanded, as Receiver DJ Chark (ankle), running back D’Andre Swift (ankle/shoulder), edge rusher Charles Harris (groin), defensive lineman John Cominsky (wrist), offensive tackle Matt Nelson (calf) and safety JuJu Hughes are among the inactive. CB Amani Oruwariye is also not playing, though Amon-Ra St. Brown returns to action.
The Detroit Lions fell to 1-4 this afternoon
FIRST QUARTER
The Pats won the toss and elected to defer. Detroit’s opening drive would be halted after quarterback Jared Goff scrambled and lowered his shoulder in an attempt to get a 1st down that would ultimately fall short.
New England would soon be in business, as Zappe hit Hunter Henry downfield. However, cornerback Saivion Smith suffered a serious injury on the play, and the game was halted for several minutes as he was tended to by team medical personnel. He would require a backboard to be stabilized and would soon depart via ambulance; the entire Lions team gathered around their fallen teammate in support.
Detroit would hold New England to a field goal following a pair of nice defensive plays, particularly from Alex Anzalone. 3-0 Patriots
http://gty.im/1427650384
The Lions would soon be on the move, starting a drive from their own 25-yard line to eventually earn a 1st and Goal opportunity. Unfortunately, Goff’s pass was intercepted by rookie CB Jack Jones.
https://twitter.com/PatsNationCP/status/1579163393160024064?s=20&t=LCbBVgPnQoCQuStUldS5aw
SECOND QUARTER
The Lions gave their fans a bit of hope, as Zappe would be soon intercepted by DeShon Elliott:
https://twitter.com/BradGalli/status/1579169733777461249?s=20&t=h6rn0UjJ4BF-tA6CfmLO8Q
Once again, the Lions were able to hold the Patriots to a field goal, thanks to key plays from Alim McNeill and Malcolm Rodriguez. 6-0 Patriots
Detroit’s attempt to convert on a 4th down went awry in a big way, as Goff fumbled the ball which was immediately grabbed and returned for a touchdown by Kyle Dugger. 13-0 Patriots
http://gty.im/1432022513
https://twitter.com/Patriots/status/1579173560723144708?s=20&t=h6rn0UjJ4BF-tA6CfmLO8Q
New England would soon add another field goal, this time from 44 yards to extend their lead as time ticked off the clock for the 1st half. 16-o Patriots
THIRD QUARTER
The Pats would begin the 2nd half by marching down the field and also being aided by two costly penalties to Jeff Okudah, who was called for his second defensive pass interference of the afternoon. However, they’d have to settle for yet another field goal. 19-0 Patriots
The Lions would respond by advancing into the red zone for the 4th time, though Goff’s pass to St. Brown on a 4th down attempt was immediately stopped by the Pats defense.
New England would add to their lead shortly afterward, as Zappe connected with a wide-open Jakobi Meyers for the touchdown. With the extra point, the Pats continued their comfortable advantage over the visiting Lions. 26-0 Patriots
https://twitter.com/Patriots/status/1579187919654371331?s=20&t=QJb–ZIiYDr1CgEBeL6sDg
FOURTH QUARTER
Unfortunately for the Lions, it was more of the same. Once again, they were unable to convert on a 4th down, becoming the first team to go 0-5 in such attempts since 1995, per the FOX broadcast.
Meanwhile, New England would once again pad their lead courtesy of a field goal. 29-0 Patriots
That’s your final score, as the Detroit Lions are shut out for the first time in two seasons. Talk about insult to injury, as former Lions coach Matt Patricia is having the time of his life on the sidelines. With the win, the Pats improve to 2-3, while the Lions fall to 1-4.
