FOXBORO, Mass. — The Detroit Lions’ offense has had trouble getting on a roll all season, but the New England Patriots’ defense looked downright dominant Sunday afternoon.
Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford completed just 15 of 42 passes for 236 yards with an interception. The Patriots allowed just 3.9 yards per carry to Lions running backs.
The Patriots are looking nearly unbeatable right now, although that status will be challenged next week when they travel to take on the Green Bay Packers.
For now, let’s focus on the Patriots’ 34-9 win. Here are the stars of the game:
DARRELLE REVIS
The Patriots’ high-priced cornerback allowed two catches for 41 yards on 11 targets, including a 24-yard screen to Lions wideout Golden Tate. Revis is fully recovered from the torn ACL he suffered two seasons ago, and he’s playing some of the best football of his NFL career against some seriously top-tier receivers.
Revis also recorded four passes defensed on the afternoon. He spent most of his time covering Tate, though he also defended a pass to Calvin Johnson in the end zone.
TOM BRADY
The Patriots quarterback continues to excel for the Patriots. He completed 38 of 53 passes for 349 yards with two touchdowns and an interception.
Brady did an exceptional job of spreading the ball around. Four Patriots receivers had over 40 yards, and tight end Tim Wright, who had 36 yards, caught two touchdowns.
BRANDON BROWNER
Browner had the unenviable task of covering Johnson, and he allowed just three catches on eight targets for 46 yards with two passes defensed. Browner also was called for pass interference.
Browner had help on Johnson from his safeties, but he’s the only cornerback in the NFL who can properly match up with Megatron’s size.
LEGARRETTE BLOUNT
Blount carried the ball 12 times for 78 yards with two touchdowns in his first game back with the Patriots. Jonas Gray, who arrived late to Gillette Stadium on Friday and subsequently missed practice, was benched for the entire game.
Blount ripped off two long runs and showed new life with his new (old) team.
OTHER NOTABLE PERFORMANCES
A fifth player didn’t exactly stand out, but Edelman (11 catches, 89 yards) and LaFell (nine catches, 98 yards) had solid games. Gronkowski (five catches, 78 yards) wasn’t quite Gronk-like, but that would be a great game from any other tight end.
Defensive ends Rob Ninkovich and Akeem Ayers recorded sacks on defense, cornerback Logan Ryan had an interception, receiver Danny Amendola had an 81-yard kick return and safety Patrick Chung was solid in coverage and against the run.
Thumbnail photo via Greg M. Cooper/USA TODAY Sports Images
