Jaguars at Lions: Highlights, score and recap
The Detroit Lions are looking to hold onto their NFC North lead when the Jacksonville Jaguars arrive at Ford Field in Week 11. Here are highlights, key players and a recap of the game.
To everyone’s surprise, the Detroit Lions are in first place in the NFC North. They have taken advantage of the failures of the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers to grab the division lead with a 5-4 record. While they are tied with the Vikings, they hold the tiebreaker. Detroit will look to help their cause when the Jacksonville Jaguars come to town for their Week 11 showdown.
The Jaguars have lost four straight. Meanwhile, Detroit has won four of their last five and has a 3-1 record at home this season. Expect the home team to get the win in this game, but anything can happen in football. Jacksonville has been good at defending the pass, allowing the fifth fewest passing yards per game in the NFL. Detroit likes to throw the ball, so this should be an interesting battle between a pass happy offense and a strong secondary.
In order to win, the Lions must take advantage of Blake Bortles. They have only intercepted four passes all year. Bortles has been prone to interceptions, so Detroit must hone in on forcing turnovers.
Detroit also must focus on getting something going on the ground. Jacksonville’s strong secondary should be avoided. If the Lions can get something going on the ground, where the Jaguars’ defense has struggled, this could turn into a blowout.
Highlights
Highlights will be added and updated as they happen.
Three Stars
1. Matthew Stafford
Stafford averages well over 30 pass attempts per game. Everyone has been waiting for him to fail without Calvin Johnson, but he has been a pretty darn good quarterback without him. Sure, his passing yards are down, as he’s averaging 263.7 yards per game, down from 266.4 last season. But Stafford has protected the ball very well this year, throwing for 18 touchdowns and just five interceptions. Expect him to have a big day today because he’s on a roll.
2. Marvin Jones
Even though the Jaguars secondary is great, perhaps they aren’t allowing passing yards because everybody’s running on their defense. The Lions aren’t exactly in a position to do so with the 27th most rushing yards in the NFL. So expect Detroit to be active in the passing game. Marvin Jones should have a big day today as Stafford’s favorite receiver.
3. Kerry Hyder
The Jaguars have a weak offensive line, which should allow Hyder, who has 7.0 sacks this season, to have a huge day. He has been great this season at making players and getting to the quarterback. Expect him to give Blake Bortles some headaches and perhaps force an interception or two.
NEXT: NFL Week 11: Staff picks and predictions
Next Week
Detroit will have a short week, as they play the Minnesota Vikings at home on Thanksgiving. Jacksonville will travel to Buffalo to take on the Buffalo Bills next Sunday.