The Detroit Lions showcased a commanding performance against the Cleveland Browns, emerging victorious with a decisive 34-10 scoreline. Although the final tally may suggest a dominant outing, the game was competitive throughout, particularly in the first half.
In this Week 4 report card, we take a closer look at the performances of individual positions.
Quarterback Jared Goff received a B+ for his overall command on the field. Despite expressing disappointment over his chemistry with receiver Jameson Williams, Goff delivered accurate passes and effectively managed the pocket. Notably, he avoided any sacks for the third consecutive game, showcasing his excellent internal clock and pocket awareness. A critical play involved Goff stepping up and successfully connecting with Amon-Ra St. Brown for a significant 25-yard gain on a pivotal drive.
The running backs earned a B, highlighted by Jahmyr Gibbs’ impressive runs of 22 and 24 yards against a formidable Browns defense, which had previously stifled opposing rushers. However, their overall effectiveness was tempered by a challenging game, with David Montgomery struggling to find space on nine carries for just 12 yards.
The tight ends received a C- for their contributions. Sam LaPorta managed three catches for 39 yards, while the blocking was inconsistent against Myles Garrett, who posed a constant threat throughout the game.
The wide receivers also received a C-, marked by a down day for Jameson Williams, whose two drops were concerning. In contrast, Amon-Ra St. Brown was a standout, collecting seven receptions for 70 yards and two touchdowns, elevating him to the top of the NFL leaderboard for receiving touchdowns.
Grading the offensive line is complex; they received a C+. Although they managed to keep Goff from being sacked, they struggled to open rushing lanes against the Browns, with their running game being a challenge. Despite this, they executed a few explosive plays that many teams have failed to achieve against Cleveland.
The defensive line garnered a B+, effectively halting the Browns’ running attack. Despite Quinshon Judkins’ admirable 82 yards on 21 carries, he faced a tough battle. Aidan Hutchinson shone with nine pressures and two sacks but received limited support from his fellow linemen.
The linebackers stood out with an impressive A grade, led by Jack Campbell, who recorded 11 tackles and showcased his skills as an elite run defender. Alongside him, Alex Anzalone and Derrick Barnes contributed significantly to the team’s defensive success.
The secondary grabbed a C rating, giving up a series of big plays while managing to secure two crucial interceptions. They did, however, commit four penalties, highlighting ongoing issues with overly physical coverage.
Detroit’s special teams earned an A+, displaying marked improvement with effective kick returns and coverage. Jake Bates excelled with multiple long field goals, and Kalif Raymond’s thrilling punt return touchdown sealed the game.
Overall, coaching received a B+, as Dan Campbell’s game management proved effective. His foresight about the game’s flow was evident, focusing on setting a strong defensive tone and leveraging special teams to offset offensive inconsistencies.
The Lions continue to showcase their potential, with hope for further refinement and success as the season unfolds.