Adam Richins / BSJ
Final: Patriots 29, Lions 0 - Patriots defense feasts on hapless Lions in shutout performance
With the NFL’s top-scoring offense in the Lions arriving at Gillette Stadium on Sunday afternoon — something was going to have to give in their matchup against a stingy New England defense.
And sure enough, despite hanging 45 points on the Seahawks a week ago, the Lions were tamed by the Patriots' defense in this one — with New England posting a dominant 29-0 shutout win.
With the win, the Patriots improve to 2-3 on the season.
Even though Detroit rolled out most of the same personnel from that shootout loss to Seattle last week (even adding top wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown back into the equation after missing Week 4), the Lions had few answers for the Patriots in this one — going 0-for-6 on fourth downs (an NFL record) while also coughing up an interception (Jack Jones) and a fumble (returned by Kyle Dugger for a 59-yard touchdown).
On offense, Bailey Zappe was solid stepping in for Mac Jones once again, completing 17 of his 21 pass attempts for 188 yards — tossing a 24-yard touchdown to Jakobi Meyers while also getting knocked for an interception (a byproduct of a costly bobble from Nelson Agholor).
Rhamondre Stevenson rushed for 161 yards in the win, while Meyers reeled in seven catches for 111 yards in his return to game action.
Nick Folk capped off most of New England’s drives — finishing the afternoon with five made field goals.
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Regular-season Game #5: Detroit Lions (1-3) at Patriots (1-3), 1 p.m.
Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough.
TV: WFXT-25. Kenny Albert (play-by-play), Jonathan Vilma (color), Shannon Spake (sideline).
Radio: 98.5-FM The SportsHub in Boston. **Bedard will be on the postgame show approximately one hour after the game.**
Online: Live Box | Lions media notes | Patriots media notes | Flipcard
BetOnline.ag Latest Line: Patriots -3.5, 45.5 o/u.
AccuWeather forecast: Clear and cool.
LAST WEEK
Seahawks 48, Lions 45: Detroit spotted visiting Seattle a 24-9 lead, but closed within three points with 5:36 remaining. Jared Goff threw for 378 yards and four touchdowns, and threw a pick-six. RB Jamaal Williams had 108 yards, including a 51-yard touchdown. TE T.J. Hockenson had 8 catches for 179 yards and 2 TDs. The Lions' defense allowed 555 yards, 9 of 12 third downs and 235 rushing yards.
Packers 27, Patriots 24 (OT): Backup Brian Hoyer was knocked from the game after the second series, forcing fourth-round pick Bailey Zappe (10 of 15, 99 yards, TD, fumble) into service. Patriots rushed for 167 yards. The defense allowed 443 total yards.
STATS
FOOTBALLOUTSIDERS.COM BREAKDOWN
ROSTER MOVES
- Patriots activated WR Tyquan Thornton (shoulder) from injured reserve. TE Matt Sokol and QB Garrett Gilbert were promoted from the practice squad.
Patriots’ QB Mac Jones, listed as doubtful for Sunday due to his ankle injury, is not expected to play vs. the Lions, per source. Rookie QB Bailey Zappe makes his first NFL start.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 9, 2022
INJURY REPORT
PREGAME READING/LISTENING
Bedard: Matt Patricia looks to find some revenge against the Lions - several of his players in key spots
Completed Q&A: Bedard on Patriots, matchup with Lions, NFL season 10.07.22
.@athleticgreens Podcast & Video: Bedard Patriots Pod - Do you want Mac Jones to rush back? Patricia Bowl preview
Patriots get good news on the injury front as Mac Jones progresses, Thornton appears
Bedard's Breakdown: Matt Patricia had his share of playcalling hits in close loss to Packers
.@athleticgreens Podcast & Video: Bedard Patriots Pod - Losing to Packers was not a moral victory
HOW THE PATRIOTS WIN & BEDARD'S GAME PICK