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2018 NFL Power Rankings: Packers, Patriots fall as Rams, Chiefs show dominance

By Randy Gurzi

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 23: Robert Woods #17 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates his touchdown with teammate Todd Gurley #30 during the first quarter of the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 23, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 23: Robert Woods #17 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates his touchdown with teammate Todd Gurley #30 during the first quarter of the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 23, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 23: Marvin Jones #11 of the Detroit Lions celebrates with teammates Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions and Graham Glasgow #60 of the Detroit Lions after his touchdown against the New England Patriots during the third quarter at Ford Field on September 23, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 23: Marvin Jones #11 of the Detroit Lions celebrates with teammates Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions and Graham Glasgow #60 of the Detroit Lions after his touchdown against the New England Patriots during the third quarter at Ford Field on September 23, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

21. Detroit Lions (27)

Who was this team that hit the field on Sunday Night Football? Entering the weekend with a 0-2 mark, the Detroit Lions gave one of the most powerful teams in NFL history all they could handle and snuck off with an unexpected win. Matt Patricia was off to a rough start as a head coach with the Lions and what better team to show out against than his old franchise — the New England Patriots.

What they did that worked so well was spread the ball to all their pass catchers with short passes and control the ball with a precise running game. They kept Tom Brady and company out of sorts and on the sidelines — which is the best way to stop him.

They were alternating between Kerryon Johnson and LeGarrette Blount on the ground. Blount, another former Patriot, is a savvy veteran who gets the tough yards and can run down a clock. The rookie Johnson is the explosive back who really had a breakout game in this one.

What we saw in their big win on Sunday is what Patricia was trying to bring over — a strong team that can win with a balanced game on both sides of the ball. That’s new to them, especially on offense. As impressive as that game was, they’re 1-2 and have a lot of room to go before they can be bought into.

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