Detroit Lions film review: Diagnosing contrast between offense's first- and second-half performances vs. Rams
Allen Park — The Detroit Lions lit up the scoreboard in the first half against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, posting 24 points with five possessions.
They followed that up with 10 points the rest of the way, including three consecutive three-and-out drives to open the second half.
What changed?
Putting a bow on the loss to the NFC frontrunners, we’ll explore the film of the hot start and sluggish finish to diagnose what went right before it went oh so wrong.
Detroit came out swinging on the game’s opening possession, but had four miscues during the series that left them empty-handed.
After picking up a quick first down on a short throw to Amon-Ra St. Brown, the Rams had a coverage bust on the ensuing snap, resulting in an explosive gain to Jameson Williams.
The Rams were in a Cover-3 match as Williams and St. Brown ran dueling deep over routes. In a two-high disguise prior to the snap, safety Jaylen McCollough (2) dropped down as a hole defender when the ball was put in play. However, the other safety, Kam Curl (3), also drove down on the play-action, seemingly reeled in by tight end Anthony Firkser (86) throwing a shoulder into the linebacker after coming through the hole from a lead blocker alignment in the I-formation.
That left the cornerbacks, who had matched the deep routes, without help. Quarterback Jared Goff opted for Williams, who had a clear step on his defender.
The pair connected for a 22-yard gain, but this was actually the first missed opportunity. The throw was a touch behind the receiver, requiring him to pump the brakes to make the grab. If Goff hits him in stride, it almost certainly results in a 53-yard touchdown.