Detroit Lions Shut Out at Gillette Stadium by New England Patriots
The Detroit Lions, with a record of 9-8, were unable to score against the New England Patriots who improved their record to 8-9 after a decisive victory. The final score read 29-0 in favor of the home team at Gillette Stadium.
In front of an attendance of 65,878 fans, the Lions struggled to find their rhythm throughout the game. Despite having possession for nearly half the game (28:31), they were only able to muster a total of 312 yards. The passing game was particularly stifled; although quarterback attempts totaled 35, only 19 were completed for a sum of 229 yards and an average gain per play standing at just under five yards (4.9). This lackluster performance was further marred by one interception and two sacks allowed for a loss of eighteen yards.
The rushing attack didn't fare much better with twenty-seven attempts resulting in just over three yards per carry (3.7) and one hundred one total rushing yards. The longest run stretched nineteen yards but failed to contribute to any scoring as red zone opportunities went unconverted with zero touchdowns recorded on eight attempts.
Penalties also hindered the Lions' efforts as they racked up seven infractions costing them eighty-two penalty yards and contributing four first downs for the Patriots. Special teams had limited opportunities but managed two punt returns totaling sixteen yards with their longest being ten.
Defensively, while managing six tackles for loss and one interception, they could not sack or significantly hurry the Patriots' quarterback who faced only three hurries from seven blitzes attempted by Detroit's defense.
On special teams, punting averaged forty-four net yardage across two attempts with one landing inside the twenty-yard line. Kickoff duties were minimal due to lack of scoring opportunities resulting in just one touchback from sixty-five kickoff yardage.
The upcoming schedule sees Detroit Lions heading into another challenging matchup as they face off against Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on October 23rd at noon local time (5 PM GMT). Fans can catch this broadcast live on CBS as both teams look forward to adding another win in their respective columns.