'MNF' takeaways: Lions rookies, Maxx Crosby shine in Detroit win
The Lions got back on track Monday night against the Raiders. Here are the main takeaways from their 26-14 win.
Lions are a contender because of their defense
The Lions offense lifted the team from the bottom rung of the NFL ladder to respectability last season. However, it's the improvement from the defense that has the team ready to go from middle-of-the-pack to Super Bowl contender.
Entering Monday night, second-year defensive end Aidan Hutchinson was second in the league in total quarterback pressures (24). He added another two quarterback hits on Monday. Detroit's maligned secondary a year ago held a Raiders receiving unit led by Davante Adams without a catch in the first half. Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo finished 10-of-21 for 126 yards and an interception.
The NFC is up for grabs, and Detroit is as capable as any team of making a run to the Super Bowl. Against the Raiders, Detroit's offense wasn't its best as the unit stalled in the red zone and quarterback Jared Goff threw a pick-six. Last season, Detroit would have lost a game like the one it had on Monday. The Lions won because of their defense, another sign that they're for real.
Maxx Crosby deserves better
Every week Maxx Crosby plays, he reminds us that he's one of the league's best defensive players. It's unfortunate, then, that he's being wasted on a bad Raiders team. He was a one-man wrecking crew against the Lions, catching wide receiver Jameson Williams six yards in the backfield on one second-quarter play and following that by stuffing running back Jahmyr Gibbs later in the quarter.
Most impressive was when he ripped the ball out of running back Craig Reynolds' control at the goal line, preventing a touchdown.
Monday's loss to the Lions would have been much worse for the Raiders without Crosby. The trade deadline is Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET, and while he's in no danger of being moved, it's the nicest thing Las Vegas could do.
Detroit's draft strategy was a hit
Detroit (6-2) received criticism for its strategy during April's 2023 NFL Draft, drafting running back Gibbs and linebacker Jack Campbell earlier than most predicted they would go. Well, the Lions have proven why their approach was the right one as they continue to get exceptional production from their young stars.
Gibbs in particular shined on Monday, finishing with 26 carries, 152 yards and a touchdown. Another rookie, tight end Sam LaPorta, led the team in receptions (eight) and added a touchdown of his own. Campbell finished with four tackles, which trailed safety Brian Branch (6), a 2023 second-round selection. Because of the Lions' multiple phenomenal picks in this year's draft, regardless of what happens this season, their window of being a playoff contender is just starting to open.
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