Breaking Down the Detroit Lions' Comprehensive Win Over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 12
ICARO Media Group
### Detroit Lions’ Dominance Over Colts: A Detailed Week 12 Report Card
In a controlled and steady manner, the Detroit Lions secured a 24-6 victory against the Indianapolis Colts. The game wasn’t the flashiest for the Lions, but it was a solid win against a team that had not faced such a heavy defeat all season. Here’s an in-depth look at the Lions' performance against the Colts.
Quarterback Jared Goff had a respectable showing, completing 26 of 36 passes for 269 yards. He displayed skill early in the game with a notable throw on the move to Tim Patrick for a significant 27-yard gain. However, Goff also had some missed throws, including critical passes to Sam LaPorta and Jameson Williams. He was sacked three times but managed to avoid making dangerous plays under pressure.
The Lions’ running backs were effective, with David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs combining for 127 rushing yards, three rushing touchdowns, and 45 receiving yards. They maximized the gains on each play despite a tough Colts defense. Montgomery and Gibbs’ performance was crucial, even though some runs were stopped at minimal gains.
Amon-Ra St. Brown caught six of his seven targets for 62 yards, although his touchdown streak ended. Tim Patrick was efficient with four catches for 55 yards from four targets. Jameson Williams contributed with crucial plays over the middle, assisting in moving the chains. Despite these highlights, there were moments where Goff struggled to find open receivers.
Tight end Sam LaPorta and Goff seemed out of sync, with LaPorta catching only three of six targets for 19 yards. While Goff missed some throws and LaPorta stumbled on routes, tight end Brock Wright had no such issues, catching both his targets for 24 yards.
The offensive line excelled in pass protection, though Goff was sacked three times. They struggled somewhat in the running game, as 10 of their 29 rush attempts gained two yards or less. However, the overall rushing stats were strong, with the team finishing with 137 yards and three touchdowns on the ground, averaging 4.2 yards per carry.
Defensively, the Lions’ line was dominant. They recorded six quarterback hits and kept Colts running back Jonathan Taylor largely ineffective with just 35 yards on 11 carries. DJ Reader and Alim McNeill led the charge, causing constant disruption. Linebackers initially struggled against Anthony Richardson's runs but adjusted as the game progressed, with Malcolm Rodriguez and Jack Campbell providing stability.
In the secondary, Kindle Vildor had a rough outing in his first start, giving up several big plays. Conversely, Amik Robertson, Kerby Joseph, and Brian Branch performed well, with Branch's aggressive play being crucial to the defensive scheme despite frequent penalties.
Special teams were a highlight, with punter Jack Fox delivering a critical 58-yard punt that helped prevent a potential Colts score. Jake Bates was flawless in his kicking duties, including a 56-yard field goal that sealed the win.
In terms of coaching, decisions like going for it on fourth-and-1 drew praise, though there was a desire for more aggression at the end of the first half. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn received commendations for adjustments that stifled the Colts' offense, especially on third downs and in the red zone.
Overall, the Lions exhibited a solid, all-around performance, securing a commanding win and reinforcing their strengths on both sides of the ball.