Studs and Duds: LaPorta, Hutchinson Enjoy Breakout Games
Behind a dominant performance from the defense and a pair of breakout performances, the Detroit Lions secured a bounce-back win over the Atlanta Falcons Sunday.
It was a successful performance for Aaron Glenn's defense, which produced plenty of pressure on Atlanta quarterback Desmond Ridder. It was an encouraging sign, after a jarring lack of pass-rush over the team's first two games.
Here are the studs and duds from Sunday's 20-6 win.
STUD: TE Sam LaPorta
LaPorta had a breakout game Sunday. He was an early target of Jared Goff, and scored his first career touchdown on a 45-yard connection on which he fooled the defense.
In total, LaPorta finished with eight catches for 84 yards and the score, which was Detroit's first of the game.
The Iowa product used his big frame to come down with contested catches, while also showing off some ability to run after the catch. Through three games, the rookie is second on the team in both receptions and yards, behind only Amon-Ra St. Brown.
DUD: CB Will Harris
Harris played sparingly, but had a penalty on special teams in the first half. His stock dropped a bit Sunday, as Brian Branch had another strong game while Jerry Jacobs bounced back from his struggles last week.
Branch continues to separate himself at the nickel position. He had a career-high and game-best 11 tackles.
STUD: WR Amon-Ra St. Brown
St. Brown's status was in question for most of the week leading up to Sunday. However, he looked to be in prime shape against the Falcons, with his second consecutive 100-yard game.
The USC product anchored everything Detroit did offensively against Atlanta. He caught nine passes for 102 yards, and rushed one time for four yards in the fourth quarter.
Though playing through a toe injury, he was able to outmaneuver the coverage that the Falcons presented again him. Through crossing routes and daggers, he created ample separation.
Goff had a strong day, throwing for 243 yards and a score. However, he overthrew St. Brown on the final play of the third quarter, and was intercepted by Jessie Bates.
DUD: RB Jahmyr Gibbs
Gibbs found his groove later in the game, but it was tough sledding for him early. He was stifled in the first half and held to just 25 yards at halftime. In a game that was met with plenty of anticipation for his role, he had a quiet afternoon.
The second half was a touch more optimistic for the rookie, as he was able to get by a worn-down Atlanta defense. In total, he was able to get 80 yards on 17 carries.
Detroit certainly missed David Montgomery's presence, as they had to rely on Craig Reynolds and Zonovan Knight at points Sunday.
STUD: DE Aidan Hutchinson
Hutchinson's performance in the first two games of the season suggested that he was on the brink of a breakout game. He found that stride in the second half Sunday.
In the fourth quarter, specifically, Hutchinson had two sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. He added a pass breakup in the first quarter and finished with four total tackles.
The breakout game was highly anticipated after he totaled 13 pressures but failed to record a sack in the first two games. He provided optimism with his showing Sunday, taking advantage of his opportunities and headlining what was an explosive afternoon for Detroit's pass rush.
Detroit had posted just one sack in its first two games. On Sunday, thanks in part to Hutchinson, it finished with seven.
DUD: OT Penei Sewell
Already short-handed without two starters, Detroit's offensive line was put through the ringer Sunday afternoon. In addition to struggling with the Falcons' pass-rush, the unit also lost two more players in its rotation.
Sewell was penalized twice for holding, two of the five penalties committed by Detroit's offensive line.
Matt Nelson, who started in place of the injured Taylor Decker, left early in the game with an ankle injury. His replacement at right tackle, the recently signed Dan Skipper, also left the game.
That left the team to insert rookie offensive guard Colby Sorsdal, who struggled at points in his first taste of meaningful action. Most notably, he allowed Vic Beasley to land a big hit on Goff, after Beasley got by the rookie.
Officially, the offensive line allowed nine hits on Goff, although it did not allow a single sack.
