Matthew Stafford and Jared Goff did not participate in the preseason. They were forced into overtime Sunday Night Football in week 1.
In the end, the Lions received the ball first and running back David Montgomery led the team to a decisive 26-20 win.
Detroit led 17-3 early in the third quarter but eventually lost momentum as Los Angeles stormed back to take a 20-17 advantage with two minutes left. But the Lions answered with a late field goal to force overtime.
Let’s analyze the game further with three takeaways:
Jared Goff will need to improve
Goff proved last season that he can be dominant in dome environments, and the Lions this season have plenty of those games. But at home in Week 1, he showed he’s still rusty after not playing in the preseason. The 29-year-old completed 18 of 28 passes for 217 yards, a touchdown and a pick, with Jameson Williams’ 52-yard score the highlight.
Montgomery helped Goff with 91 rushing yards on 17 carries and a score, with the Lions’ overtime possession being the primary source of his numbers. Detroit’s defense got off to a strong start, so Goff will have to match that soon.
Cooper Kupp can still be the WR1
Sophomore wideout Puka Nacua had four catches for 35 yards before being sidelined with a knee injury. It’s not yet known how serious the injury is, but it provided a platform for Kupp to show he can still be a legitimate WR1.
Nacua took over that role last season as Kupp dealt with injuries, but the latter put up solid numbers in the loss. The 31-year-old hauled in 14 catches for 110 yards and a touchdown, while Tyler Johnson and Colby Parkinson combined for nine catches.
Stafford himself threw for 317 yards on 34 of 49 completions for a touchdown and a pick.
Alex Anzalone could be in for a big season
Anzalone, 29, has put up big numbers in previous campaigns but he looked to be on a whole new level on Sunday. The Florida product recorded 13 tackles (10 solo) and three tackles for a loss.
He started the game on fire and set the tone, which continued throughout the game. If he can keep up that kind of performance, he could get better recognition come season’s end. The former New Orleans Saint has yet to receive any NFL honors to his name.
Here are five things to know about Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff.