Lions struggle in 48-42 loss to Bills
On Sunday morning’s Lions Gameday Live, Jennifer Hammond told the tale of Lions offensive lineman Dan Skipper.
DETROIT (FOX 2):The Lions’ offensive tackle Dan Skipper’s 9-yard run into the touchdown zone after catching a short throw was the game’s high point.
The Buffalo Bills defeated the Detroit Lions 48-42 on Sunday, ending the team’s record 11-game winning streak. Josh Allen ran for two touchdowns in the first quarter and threw two touchdown passes in the second half.
Allen’s ability to make plays with his right arm and legs has helped the AFC East-champion Bills (11-3) win eight of nine games.
Allen completed 23 of 34 throws for a season-high 362 yards, including touchdowns to Ray Davis and Khalil Shakir. After becoming the first NFL player to throw and run for three touchdowns in a regular-season game, the dual-threat quarterback rushed 11 times for 68 yards and two scores each week.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – DECEMBER 15: On December 15, 2024, in Detroit, Michigan, Dan Skipper #70 of the Detroit Lions passes Buffalo Bills #39 Cam Lewis for a touchdown in the second quarter at Ford Field. (Getty Images/Mike Mulholland photo))
He ran for more than one score and threw for multiple touchdowns in six consecutive games, setting a new league record.
For the NFC North-leading Lions (12-2), whose loss gives Minnesota a chance to tie for the division lead with a victory against Chicago on Monday night at home, Jared Goff set a career high by tossing five touchdown passes.
Buffalo scored the most points against Detroit this season and set a new franchise record by scoring 30 points or more in eight consecutive games. They are the first team to do so since the Denver Broncos in 2013.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – DECEMBER 15: On December 15, 2024, in Detroit, Michigan, during the second quarter at Ford Field, Curtis Samuel #1 of the Buffalo Bills dives to make a catch while being covered by Brian Branch #32 of the Detroit Lions. (Image courtesy of Mike Mu)
The Bills were less successful on defense after losing to the Los Angeles Rams 44–42.
With 12 seconds remaining, Goff connected with Jameson Williams for his fifth touchdown pass from 3 yards out, but the Lions were unable to recover the onside kick, which resulted in a Hail Mary attempt that ended the game.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – DECEMBER 15: On December 15, 2024, in Detroit, Michigan, Jahmyr Gibbs #26 of the Detroit Lions defeats the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field with a touchdown in the fourth quarter. (Getty Images/Nic Antaya photo))
The Bills are one of only two teams in NFL history to score 40 points or more and allow at least 40 points in back-to-back games, along with the New York Giants in 1966.
In a possible Super Bowl preview, Allen’s incredible skills made the difference.
He rolled right and showed patience before passing to set up a 1-yard sneak, and on his second play, he fired a 33-yard ball to Ty Johnson. He then converted a third down with another toss to the former Lions running back, gaining another 24 yards.
Allen began the next drive in the shotgun position, backed up, rolled left, and threw to his right on a 28-yard throw to running back James Cook after moving up in the pocket. He gave the Bills a 14-0 lead with a 4-yard touchdown run around the right side, going untouched.
When the Bills had the ball, Detroit responded, bringing it within a score on a 12-yard pass from Goff to Tim Patrick, but it was unable to stop them.
Midway through the second quarter, Buffalo coach Sean McDermott decided to go for it on fourth-and-2 from his 49 on the next play. Allen found Johnson wide open for a 31-yard reception, which led to James Cook’s 6-yard touchdown run, restoring a two-touchdown advantage.
On the following drive, Lions coach Dan Campbell maintained the offense on the field with a fourth-and-four from the Bills 46, displaying his typical aggressiveness. Goff’s 21-yard pass to Amon-Ra. St. Brown confirmed the ruling.
Five plays later, Goff executed a trick play by throwing to an offensive lineman who reported in as eligible to pull within a touchdown, and he then completed the play with a 9-yard touchdown pass to Dan Skipper.
When it appeared like the Lions would lose badly in the second half, Goff made a 66-yard touchdown pass to St. Brown on a third-and-17.
But the Bills continued to score.
Injuries
Bills: LBs Dorian Williams (elbow), Matt Milano (groin), OT Spencer Brown (head), and wide out Curtis Samuel (shoulder) had injuries during the game.
Lions: DB Late in the first half, Khalil Dorsey (leg) was taken off the field and put on a backboard. DT Alim McNeill (knee) exited in the third quarter and did not return, and CB Carlton Davis (knee) was also injured in the second quarter.
Up next
Bills: On Sunday, they will host New England.
Lions: Sunday’s game is at Chicago.
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