Detroit — Here’s what I learned bouncing around the Detroit Lions’ locker room following the team’s 31-24 win over the New York Jets.
Tunnel vision
In an ideal world, the Lions don’t let the Jets back into the game after jumping out to a 14-point lead early in the fourth quarter. But this wasn’t an ideal performance.
After the Jets tied it with a little more than four minutes to go, the Lions didn’t wilt, re-gaining the lead less than two minutes later. Then, it was up to the defense, which had surrendered the lead, to save the day.
The Jets threatened, driving from their own 31 to Detroit’s 28 as the game clock ticked under a minute remaining. Following an injury timeout, Jets quarterback Geno Smith took a shotgun snap and looked for a quick answer.
Unfortunately for the veteran passer, it was the Lions who had the solution. Leaning into coordinator Kelvin Sheppard’s proclivity for aggression, the Lions sent two extra defenders after Smith. The running back stepped up to pick up linebacker Jack Campbell’s blitz, leaving safety Chuck Clark unabated on his path to the QB.
Clark delivered a big hit, the ball came free and was scooped up by Campbell, effectively ending the game.
As the play unfolded, Clark’s eyes widened and time felt like it slowed down as the sea of green blockers parted.
“It does (slow down), because I was like, I hope he doesn’t flush that way, away from me, and try to run away,” Clark said.