The Detroit Lions' dominant 52-12 victory over the Chicago Bears in Week 2 showcased a team firing on all cylinders. But beyond the impressive scoreline, a deeper dive into the snap counts reveals intriguing personnel decisions and potential strategies for future games.
Offensively, Jared Goff had a stellar performance, completing 23 of 28 passes for 334 yards and five touchdowns. While David Montgomery saw increased playing time against his former team, Jahmyr Gibbs remains the lead back. The offensive line's performance was particularly noteworthy, contributing to an impressive 3.55 yards before contact per carry for the running backs and preventing any sacks. The late-game appearance of several reserve linemen, including rookie tackles, offers a glimpse into the depth of the Lions' offensive line.
On the receiving end, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams both surpassed 100 receiving yards, each finding the endzone. Brock Wright and Sam LaPorta also contributed significantly. The injury to Josh Reynolds requires further monitoring. The absence of Tom Kennedy from offensive snaps is worth noting.
Defensively, the interior defensive line saw a significant shift in snap distribution from Week 1. While Alim McNeill's absence remains a factor, rookie Jalen Wingo's increased playing time offers a potential solution. His contributions were key to the two fourth down stops, including a crucial stop on a QB sneak. The continued success of Aidan Hutchinson, despite apparent discomfort, and the injury concerns surrounding Charles Harris are important takeaways. The increased role of Isaiah Buggs and the overall defensive strategy are noteworthy factors influencing the snap counts.
The Lions' linebacker corps continues to see heavy usage of three linebackers simultaneously. Alex Anzalone and Derrick Barnes remain integral parts of the defense, while Malcolm Rodriguez's versatility adds a dynamic element. The increased use of five defensive backs in nickel packages highlights a strategic adjustment in defensive approach.
Special teams showed improvement, though Riley Patterson's missed field goal provides a point of focus for improvement. Overall, the Week 2 snap counts offer valuable insights into the Lions' evolving offensive and defensive strategies, their player performance, and their potential depth. While the victory was resounding, the data provides a detailed look at the keys to success and areas for potential refinement moving forward.
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Originally published at: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detroit-lions-analysis/142039/detroit-lions-week-2-snap-counts-shake-up-on-the-interior-dl
