Next Man Up: Lions Shake Off Injuries, Secure First Win of Season
The Detroit Lions were able to overcome a myriad of injuries to secure their first victory of the 2022 season, defeating the Washington Commanders, 36-27, in front of their home fans at Ford Field.
Prior to the game, starting cornerback Amani Oruwariye and left guard Jonah Jackson were ruled inactive.
With center Frank Ragnow missing the game, as well, it may have felt as if it wasn't in the cards this week to earn a victory.
Instead, Detroit's defense got off to an incredibly quick start, righting the ship after a subpar performance in Week 1.
Aaron Glenn's defense peppered Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz early and often, forcing the offense into three-and-outs in the first quarter.
Here are four takeaways from the Lions' first victory of the season.
Defense answered the bell in the first half
Leading 3-0, Detroit went for it on fourth down in the red zone, but could not convert.
The momentum could have shifted, but Detroit's defense made an impactful play that gave the team additional momentum.
Defensive lineman Charles Harris was able to knock the ball out of Wentz's hands into the back of the end zone for a safety, giving Detroit a 5-0 lead.
It marked Harris' first sack for Detroit this season and the team's first safety at Ford Field since September of 2016 against the Tennessee Titans.
The Lions were able to out-gain Washington 162 yards to 20 in the first quarter, as the offense got out to a 12-0 lead.
In fact, Washington did not secure its initial first down of the game until the 5:40 mark in the second quarter.
After the Commanders scored their first touchdown early in the third quarter, Detroit's secondary answered the bell.
Converted safety Will Harris, who has appeared in 51 games, was able to record his first career interception on a ball deflected by Tracy Walker.
Aidan Hutchinson has arrived
After not making a dent at all in the stat sheet against the Philadelphia Eagles, the No. 2 overall pick rebounded quickly and quite impressively.
Detroit's coaching staff felt Hutchinson would gain a tremendous learning experience from his first performance and would rebound nicely in his next outing.
He did just that, recording three first-half sacks. His play electrified the home crowd, and aided the team in getting out to a 22-0 halftime lead.
Amon-Ra St. Brown is consistent, quality offensive talent
After making St. Brown an emphasis in the offensive attack at around the midway point of the season last year, the ex-Trojans wideout has been among the most reliable and consistent offensive performers.
He even set an NFL record for securing eight or more receptions and a touchdown in six consecutive games.
With Washington having cut the deficit to 22-15, Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson called St. Brown's number, and what resulted was a 58-yard rush by St. Brown that set up Detroit's offense with great field position.
Running back D'Andre Swift was able to cap off the drive with a touchdown reception, extending Detroit's lead to 29-15 late in the third quarter.
Deep passing game still not where it needs to be
Goff had an up-and-down day at Ford Field.
Leading 3-0 in the first quarter, Goff had an opportunity to find St. Brown in the end zone for a touchdown, but misfired.
Johnson dialed up trick plays and deep routes in the first half, but Goff either could not connect with new receiver DJ Chark or the ball was overthrown.
Despite the struggles slinging it deep, Goff produced his sixth straight home game with two or more passing touchdowns, establishing a new franchise record.
Jeff Okudah battles leg cramps in back-to-back weeks
Okudah has started to perhaps turn the page on the disappointing start to his NFL career.
He had a solid performance in Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles, and continued the impressive play Sunday against the Washington Commanders.
He kept fellow Ohio State Buckeyes product Terry McLaurin in check throughout the first half, failing to let him catch a single pass in the opening half.
Unfortunately, Okudah had to briefly leave the contest in the fourth quarter due to leg cramps. It was an issue he also battled a week ago against Philadelphia.
He did, however, return before the end of the game.
