Detroit Lions Ride Hot Defense To Win Over New Orleans Saints

By Ryan Ratty @RyanRattyNFL on October 19, 2014

Even without Calvin Johnson, the Detroit Lions won again on Sunday to make their record 5-2. Oddly enough, it has been their defense that has gotten the job done over the course of the 2014 season. With the injuries to “Megatron” and starting running back Reggie Bush, the Lions have lacked consistency on the offensive end — that being said, the win over the New Orleans Saints was a team win.

Because of their dominant run defense, the Lions forced the Saints to be one-dimensional throughout the game. Although the Saints aren’t the same team when they’re away from home, the Lions took it to them in this game. Even though the Saints are 2-4, this roster still oozes talent. Led by Drew Brees, the Saints have one of the NFL‘s best passing games. Brees had 342 yards, but the Lions got stops when they needed to. The most notable defensive stop of the day was the last drive of the game when the Saints needed only a field goal to come away with a huge victory.

The Lions had the Saints at fourth-and-10, but an 11-yard scamper by Brees extended the drive. The following three plays would be incomplete passes. On fourth-and-10 on that drive, Darius Slay was able to bat down a pass from Brees. With their defensive line getting pressure, the Lions have been able to create turnovers and make it difficult for receivers to get space. With Megatron returning most likely next week, the Lions will become an even more explosive team. Although the Green Bay Packers are playing well, the Lions are keeping pace at 5-2.

Ryan Ratty is a featured writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @RyanRattyNFL or add him to your network on Google.