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'SNF' takeaways: Eagles defense feasts on Lions in impressive showing
Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Moro Ojomo (97) reacts against the Detroit Lions during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

'SNF' takeaways: Eagles defense feasts on Lions in latest impressive showing

The Philadelphia Eagles completely shut down the potent Detroit Lions offense in a 16-9 win on "Sunday Night Football."

Here are four takeaways from Sunday's NFL nightcap:

Eagles continue to make case for league's best defense

Given the offensive struggles the Green Bay Packers have had this season, it was fair to wonder if the Eagles defense was as good as its seven points allowed would suggest. After holding the league's second-best offense to nine points, it is hard to dispute that.

Lions quarterback Jared Goff entered Week 11 with the best completion percentage (74%), but was held to just 14-of-37 for 255 yards with one TD and one interception. Detroit's offense was kept from establishing much of a rhythm all night, largely due to the immense pressure the Eagles had Goff under the entire game.

It is the second straight game the Eagles have scored less than 20 points on offense, so the concerns still reside there for sure. However, after back-to-back games completely shutting down their opponents defensively, the Eagles deserve a lot of credit.

Lions offense sputters in second game with Dan Campbell calling plays

Sunday night marked the second game with Campbell taking over the play-calling duties from offensive coordinator John Morton. After a 44-point showing against the Washington Commanders, the Philadelphia defense presented a much stiffer test.

The Lions managed 317 yards of offense, but only went 3-of-13 on third down and 0-of-5 on fourth down as Campbell's aggressive strategy came back to bite him this time around. Even when Detroit had a chance to tie the game up, it could not convert and suffered its fourth turnover on downs.

It was a disappointing performance from the Lions offense, especially when you consider how well its banged-up defense played. However, it is more than capable of responding with the playmakers it has on the field.

Nick Sirianni makes another questionable fourth-down call

The Eagles faced a 4th-and-1 with three minutes remaining on their own 29-yard line. Instead of punting and letting his defense do its part, Sirianni decided to go for it with the usually automatic tush push, which never stood a chance.

Thankfully for Philadelphia, Detroit could only manage a field goal after another clutch stop by its defense, but this was the second time in the last two games that Sirianni has made a bizarre fourth-down decision after he decided to go for it on 4th-and-6 with 33 seconds to play against the Packers.

Sirianni got away with it again, and the Eagles were the beneficiary of a questionable game-sealing pass interference call, but this should have never been a one-score game. In the end, the defense lifted Philadelphia to a fourth straight win and an 8-2 record in a loaded NFC race.

Jahmyr Gibbs does it all for Detroit

There was not much going right for the league's second-best offense on Sunday night, but Gibbs was certainly a bright spot. Although the third-year back only amassed 39 yards on the ground, he led a typically stout receiving corps with five receptions for 107 yards.

These two plays in the third quarter were a perfect example of his success in the pass game with gains of 42 and 33 yards, respectively.

Although Gibbs did not find the endzone, he entered the night with 693 rush yards and 227 yards receiving, showcasing his versatility in the Lions offense. This time around, it was his receiving skills on display when scoring was at a minimum.

Colby Colwell

Colby Colwell is a freelance contributor with a bachelor’s in Computer & Information Technology and a minor in Psychology from Western Kentucky University. With a deep passion for sports, especially NASCAR, he offers his substantial knowledge along with his adept writing skills. When he’s not writing, Colby enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with his family

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