Charlotte, N.C. — Justin Rogers grades the Detroit Lions’ performance in their 37-23 loss to the Carolina Panthers.
Quarterbacks
This wasn’t a loss that can be pinned on the quarterback. Jared Goff didn’t exactly throw the team on his back, but given the lack of a ground game and subpar protection, the Detroit signal-caller performed well in the chilly conditions, completing 25-of-42 for 355 yards, three touchdowns and another game with zero interceptions. He also led the team in rushing, gaining 15 yards on three carries.
The worst part about Goff’s day was an early turnover, on which he failed to secure the snap from center Frank Ragnow before dropping back. That blunder came in the red zone, when the Lions were poised to take a lead. The Panthers ended up turning that takeaway into seven points, although with the way the opposition ran the ball, it’s difficult to say the game’s result would have been different without the lost fumble. Grade: B
Running backs
Detroit’s ground game continues to deliver well below expectations. It’s getting to the point where the Lions are deemphasizing it in the game plan, even before they needed to abandon the run while down big in the second half.
Sure, some of that is blocking, but the backs aren’t creating anything on their own, either. D’Andre Swift, Jamaal Williams and Justin Jackson combined for 22 yards on 13 carries (1.7 YPC) and caught just three-of-eight targets in the passing game for 24 more yards. Grade: F
Wide receivers/tight ends
Detroit’s pass-catchers came up big in this game, starting with DJ Chark hauling in a deep shot altered by Goff getting hit while attempting to follow through on the throw. Kalif Raymond also came up with a long ball, tracking and accelerating to a bomb that netted 56 yards.
The unexpected star from the group was second-year tight end Shane Zylstra. He caught all three of Goff’s touchdown tosses. Even though Zylstra wasn’t the first read on at least two of the scores, he stayed active and found open space, providing the QB a target.
The big knock on the group was Josh Reynolds committing an offensive pass interference in the end zone on fourth down in the final quarter, slamming the door on Detroit’s long-shot comeback effort. Grade: B+
Offensive line
For a group with a Pro Bowler and three alternates, they didn’t play like it against the Panthers. Goff faced more pressure than usual, eating a couple sacks, five additional hits and plenty of pressure that doesn’t show up in the box score.
Additionally, the run blocking has failed to recapture its early season success. Without it, offensive consistency will be elusive. Grade: D
Defensive line
The Panthers ran for 320 yards. Do we need to say much more? Aidan Hutchinson blew contain on the first snap, a 30-yard run for Chuba Hubbard, while Josh Paschal got caught overly focused on the QB on a zone-read, resulting in a 38-yard gain for D’Onta Foreman.
In the pass game, the Panthers didn’t throw a ton, but the Lions didn’t make it difficult when quarterback Sam Darnold did drop back. He wasn’t sacked or even hit once, while completing 15-of-22 throws. Grade: F
Linebackers
On many of the Panthers’ long runs, Detroit’s linebackers could be seen out of their gaps or getting devoured by Carolina’s offensive line. After three solid games in a row, this was a massive dud for Alex Anzalone. Grade: F
Secondary
The Panthers took advantage of the Lions leaning on their cornerbacks and safeties to contribute in run support, blocking up or breaking the tackles of the cornerbacks and safeties on multiple long gains.
On top of the run game woes, Jeff Okudah gave up a deep ball into the red zone on third-and-long, leading to his benching. Jerry Jacobs wasn’t much better, getting beat for a long catch that kickstarted one touchdown drive and getting flagged for a hold in the red zone on another. Grade: F
Special teams
The Lions special teams were solid with Jack Fox punting well, Michael Badgley making all his kicks and Justin Jackson providing a couple solid kickoff returns.
When the Lions needed an onside kick recovery, the group couldn’t recover either of two attempts. Grade: B+
Coaching
Lions coach Dan Campbell said his team wasn’t ready: Physically, mentally or emotionally. That’s on him and his staff. And even though he was quick to put that on his shoulder, it doesn’t soften the disappointment.
Defensively, the Lions game-planned to stop the run with their nickel defense, which they’ve done successfully in recent weeks. But when that wasn’t working, they proved unable to make an adjustment with either personnel or play-calling, to calm things down.
Offensively, the Lions leaned on the pass from the start. But where has the success of the early-season ground game gone? This is the type of game the Lions needed to show they could run and they fell far short of that goal. Grade: F
jdrogers@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @Justin_Rogers