4 Takeaways from Lions' 38-35 Loss to Eagles
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The Detroit Lions came crashing back to reality after an offseason chalk full of hope, hype and hyperbole.
An NFC East contender, in the Philadelphia Eagles, was able to take advantage again of a Lions defense that is nowhere near ready to execute at a high level on a consistent basis.
Here are four takeaways from the Lions' season-opening loss to the Eagles.
This is D'Andre Swift's team
Detroit's first offensive drive was a real eye-opener, as D'Andre Swift's long scamper proved to be the catalyst for the team's opening touchdown.
The team secured 117 total yards rushing in the first half.
Swift, who was challenged by Lions running backs coach Duce Staley this season, secured a 100-yard rushing day in the opener, against an Eagles defensive front that had been garnering increased buzz heading into the season.
Each time the Eagles extended their lead, Swift came through with tough and gritty runs.
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Mobile quarterbacks will give Lions' defense nightmares
The Lions' defense understood it was going to be a significant challenge to try and limit the production of Jalen Hurts.
Heading into the opener, Detroit's defensive line was revamped, including via the addition of top draft choice Aidan Hutchinson.
Unfortunately, Hurts simply was able to break contain repeatedly against Aaron Glenn's defense.
After the Lions cut the lead to 31-21 late in the third quarter, Hurts and the Eagles were facing a key third down.
After scrambling for five yards, Hurts was then able to gain the necessary yardage for the first down.
Detroit's Tracy Walker was ejected on the play, after incurring two personal foul penalties.
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Detroit's defense will not be the saving grace this season
Despite making adjustments to the roster, most notably to the defensive line, the team's defense did not come anywhere close to limiting the Eagles' offense.
Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn said the honeymoon period is now over, meaning there were expectations that the defense would create more pressure, turnovers and stops when needed.
The Eagles were able to exploit weaknesses in Detroit's defense at key times to record big plays, both in the air and via the ground.
Detroit's rookie linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez, who earned his first NFL start, bit heavily, and was a contributing factor for Jalen Hurts being able to simply walk into the end zone.
With a loud, passionate crowd supporting the team with under 3:00 remaining, Glenn's defense needed a stop, trailing, 38-35.
Detroit's defense gave up a 29-yard gain on the ground to all but seal the victory for Philadelphia.
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Jared Goff and passing offense struggle
Goff and the passing offense could not get into rhythm early in front of a capacity crowd at Ford Field.
With Ben Johnson calling plays, the team was not able to execute enough explosive plays through the air, which should be monitored each week. Remember, the team struggled with the same issue last season.
Both Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jamaal Williams had uncharacteristic drops.
Miscommunication between Goff and tight end T.J. Hockenson resulted in a pick-six that gave the Eagles added momentum.
Credit to the offense for battling until the end, as Goff was able to connect with wideout DJ Chark on a passing touchdown. It cut the Eagles' lead to 38-35, with 3:51 remaining in the opener.
