Detroit vs. New York final score: Lions pounce all over Jets in 24-17 win
The Detroit Lions held on to defeat the New York Jets Sunday in MetLife Stadium who never really looked like they had a chance in the game until there were less than five minutes left and they were down just a touchdown. Detroit’s defense was able to seal the deal for Detroit, and they advanced to a 3-1 record.
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Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford finished 24-for-34 with 293 yards and three touchdowns including a rush TD. Golden Tate led the Lions in recieving with eight catches for 118 yards.
Jets quarterback finished 17-for-33, 209 yards and a touchdown as well as two turnovers. The Jets were finally able to break Detroit’s dominant rush defense, between Chris Ivory and Chris Johnson they were able to accumulate 132 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Both teams exchanged field goals to start the game in the first quarter, but Detroit began to run away in the second quarter, scoring 14 unanswered points and taking a 17-3 lead into half time.
The first touchdown for Detroit came on 59-yard strike from quarterback Matthew Stafford to wide receiver Jeremy Ross to take the 10-3 lead. This was followed by a 16-yard pass from Stafford to rookie tight end Eric Ebron for a touchdown just before halftime making the score 17-3.
In the third quarter, Detroit’s offense was lifeless, but the Jets were able to score a touchdown on a 11-yard touchdown from quarterback Geno Smith to receiver Eric Decker, cutting down the Detroit lead 17-10. On the first play of the fourth quarter, Matthew Stafford scrambled into the corner of the end zone for a 1-yard touchdown run to give the Lions a 24-10 lead.
Geno Smith threw an interception to Detroit’s Darius Slay on the Detroit 26-yard-line leading to Jets fans chanting, “We want Vick” asking for Rex Ryan to put in Jets back up quarterback Michael Vick. Geno Smith has now thrown five interceptions, leading the NFL.
After a missed 52-yard field goal by Detroit, New York took over again, but turned it over again as Geno Smith fumbled after being hit by James Ihedigbo. Detroit was unable to convert on their next possession and punted away again.
The New York Jets took back over with 9:25 left in the fourth quarter and were able to score on a 35-yard Chris Johnson touchdown run, bringing the Jets within a touchdown.
The Jets were given another chance with 4:36 left in the game after Detroit had to punt it away, but they decided to punt it right back after a three and out, depending on timeouts and their defense. But, Detroit was able to get a couple first downs and close out the game to win 24-17.
Detroit scored just seven points in the second half and struggled through the air, as Calvin Johnson had just two catches after spending most of the game on the sideline with an ankle injury. If it wasn’t for Detroit’s defense forcing two key turnovers in the fourth quarter, Detroit may not have won this game.
With the loss, the Jets move to 1-3 on the season, their only win coming from week one against the Oakland Raiders. They’ll travel to San Diego to take on the Chargers next Sunday.
The win advances Detroit to 3-1 and in the sole lead in the NFC North division and they’re looking good, especially on defense. Next Sunday, they will host the Buffalo Bills at home in Detroit, looking to build on their NFC North best record.
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