Detroit Lions have found a way all season to bounce back from a loss. They did so once again in a big way Sunday afternoon, but it certainly wasn't easy.
Detroit came out on a mission to put their Thanksgiving loss to Green Bay squarely in the rearview as they jumped out to a 21-0 lead, scoring 21 points in the first quarter of a contest for the first time since 2011 vs. Minnesota.
Credit New Orleans for mounting a second-half comeback and making a game of it, but the Lions made the big plays late to secure a gritty win on the road.
Detroit opened the game running the ball right at the Saints' defense six times for 59 yards including a two-yard David Montgomery touchdown on their first possession. Jahmyr Gibbs had a 36-yard run to set Montgomery up at the two-yard line.
Losing Ragnow for any amount of time would be a big blow up front for the Lions. He's having another Pro Bowl caliber season as the leader of that unit. He's been great in the run game and hasn't given up a sack all year and just two quarterback hits.
Graham Glasgow to center after Ragnow left the game. Rookie Colby Sorsdal came in at right guard with mixed results.
The Lions built a 21-0 lead immediately thanks to a perfect start on both sides of the ball, and the early lead proved to be enough to outlast the Saints. Jameson Williams' touchdown to begin the fourth quarter, aided by a Josh Paschal fumble recovery, proved to be the difference on the scoreboard late. Brian Branch also had an interception during the run early which set up Detroit's second touchdown.
Jahmyr Gibbs was the team's leading rusher with 60 yards on eight carries, while David Montgomery handled most of the work with 18 carries for 56 yards and a touchdown.
The Saints lost quarterback Derek Carr in the fourth quarter to back, shoulder and head injuries after he was hit by defensive lineman Bruce Irvin as he released a pass. Irvin was penalized for driving the weight of his body into Carr as they hit the turf.
 Read more
49ers win over Eagles (42- 19),Dre Greenlaw thrown out of game after scuffle with Eagles security staffer Packers defeat Chiefs (27-19)Sarah H
Also on site :