Detroit Lions: 3 Standouts from Week 3 vs. Patriots
3. Matthew Stafford
Coming out of halftime with a 13-3 lead, the Detroit Lions appeared in complete control. However, there have been numerous instances in recent history with this team where they have been in similar positions only to allow the opposing team to come back and take control, thus forcing them to try and make a comeback to win. And it looked like that may happen again.
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On the opening drive of the second half, Stafford threw an interception on a pass intended for tight end Luke Willson. Subsequently, Brady and the Patriots showed their first signs of life on offense for the game to that point as they marched down the short field on seven plays and made the score 13-10. That’s when Stafford put on his big-boy pants and decided that a comeback would not be necessary in Week 3.
On the ensuing drive following the Patriots touchdown, Stafford almost single-handedly led a charge down the field, accounting for all but 10 yards of a 10-play, 75-yard drive that culminated with a gorgeous 33-yard touchdown pass to Marvin Jones Jr. That effectively pushed the momentum back in favor of Detroit and they never relinquished it after that point.
Stafford’s overall line of 27-of-36 for 262 yards, two touchdowns and the interception is fine, but it was that second-half moment that he earns the nod as a standout. That’s the type of leadership and play this team needs from their quarterback if they’re going to find success in 2018 and Sunday night was indicative of just that.