Takeaways from Lions' 42-24 Win against Panthers
The Detroit Lions were expected to win and win quite handily. At times this week, Dan Campbell's squad was a double-digit favorite to defeat the Carolina Panthers.
Despite having to manage key injuries, the Lions were a team that featured more talent than the Panthers and were playing better during the first quarter of the 2023 season.
Unlike last season, this year's matchup featured two football teams heading in different directions.
The Lions are expected to contend for a playoff berth, while the Panthers are in a retooling phase. The organization both hired a new coach (Frank Reich) and drafted a quarterback with the No. 1 pick (Bryce Young) over the offseason.
In Taylor Decker's 100th career start for the Lions, it was fitting for the gritty offensive lineman to be part of a decisive victory.
Next week, Detroit (4-1) heads out on the road to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Here are six takeaways from the Lions' fourth win of the 2023 season.
David Montgomery embodies Detroit
A player that has often felt overlooked, Montgomery took advantage quickly of the Panthers' subpar rush defense.
After the Panthers' opening drive stalled, Detroit quickly found its way into the end zone to take an early 7-0 lead.
After first-down completions to Kalif Raymond and Marvin Jones, Montgomery burst free, and scampered 42 yards into the end zone, sending Ford Field into a frenzy.
The veteran running back produced his sixth rushing score of the 2023 season, which sets a new team record for the most rushing touchdowns a Lions player has had in their first four games with the organization.
Montgomery also played an integral role in Detroit recording its seventh straight game with over 100 rushing yards.
Aidan Hutchinson records another interception
No defensive lineman has been able to secure as many interceptions as the former No. 2 overall pick.
His fourth career interception put the Lions in prime field position.
After being forcibly tackled to the ground, Hutchinson did not miss any action for Detroit's stout defense.
Detroit's offense took advantage, as Jared Goff found tight end Sam LaPorta for a 4-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 14-0.
In the third quarter, he corralled Young for a sack on third-and-12.
Unfortunate scene at Ford Field
An unfortunate scene arose after Detroit's scoring drive, and it was yet another stark reminder of the dangers of playing in the NFL.
Panthers offensive lineman Chandler Zavala suffered a neck injury late in the first quarter, and required immediate medical attention.
He was carted off the field after both teams showed solidarity and support. Fortunately, the rookie gave a thumbs up as he departed the game.
Zavala was taken to a local hospital for further evaluation.
The Panthers responded with a 13-play, 74-yard scoring drive, which was capped off by a 1-yard touchdown pass to Tommy Tremble. It cut the Lions' lead to seven, 14-7.
For the returning Emmanuel Moseley, it was a short afternoon, as the Lions free-agent acquisition left the game in the first half with a knee injury. He was sidelined for the remainder of the game.
Running back Zonovan "Bam" Knight also left the game on a cart in the third quarter.
Jameson Williams has minimal impact in first half
The expectations were quite limited for Jameson Williams to begin with, but the former first-round pick did not capitalize at all on his opportunities in the first half.
The returning wideout allowed the football to pass right through his hands when he worked his way wide open.
Had he secured the football, there was a healthy amount of real estate in front of the speedy wideout.
In the first half, Williams was targeted twice, and recorded one reception that ended up losing two yards.
Lions take advantage of Panthers' turnovers
Detroit's defense made the Panthers' life quite difficult in the first half.
Alim McNeill, who is having a career-best season, forced the football loose against running back Miles Sanders.
Will Harris, who started at nickel cornerback in place of rookie Brian Branch, recovered the football.
Josh Reynolds found his way into the end zone for a 1-yard score, giving Detroit a two touchdown lead.
Following each turnover, Detroit found its way into the end zone, scoring 21 points off turnovers in the first half.
Jerry Jacobs' third interception in the past two games set up the Lions to extend their lead to 28-7.
A little razzle-dazzle from Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson found LaPorta wide open for a 31-yard touchdown near the end of the first half.
Jared Goff efficient
Goff was proficient in leading the offense all afternoon. He eluded trouble when needed, and was nearly perfect in the first half.
He finished 13-for-17 in the first two quarters, with at least two of those incompletions being drops.
Detroit did not muster up any points in the third quarter, despite the coaching staff emphasizing being more efficient and productive coming out of halftime.
He appeared dialed in and returned to his turnover-free ways, snapping a three-game streak with an interception. Goff was precise in his execution, spreading the ball amongst eight different receivers.
