The Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles had a high-stakes game on Sunday evening, November 16, and it just wasn’t the night for the Lions. The Eagles beat the Lions in a slow-moving, 16-9 game, leaving Dan Campbell and his offensive play calling at the mercy of Philadelphia.
The Detroit Lions had a chance to win this game, but play after play went wrong. Lions quarterback Jared Goff has some of the strongest numbers in the NFL, but during the Eagles game, he had the lowest completion percentage of his career, according to NFL research. Even though Goff threw for 255 yards, he only completed 38 percent of his passes and finished with a passer rating of 60.1. Not that it was all his fault. He wasn’t calling the plays.
Then, Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery also struggled, although Gibbs led Detroit with five receptions for 107 yards. On the defensive side, the Detroit Lions did hold the Eagles, and Aidan Hutchinson finished with four tackles and half a sack.
But, as The Athletic’s Colton Pouncy points out in a piece published on Monday, November 17, the Lions’ loss to the Eagles mean they won’t be able to finished the season at No. 1 in the NFC like they did in 2024. On top of they, they just got a digger from former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
What a difference a day makes. On Monday, November 17, the Chicago Bears, spearheaded by Johnson, woke up to being the No. 1 team in the NFC North. Their definitive win, with a 19-17 score over the Minnesota Vikings, puts them with a 7-3 record for the season, while the Lions are 6-4. The Lions are actually No. 3, with the Green Bay Packers ahead of them with a 6-3-1 record.
So, Johnson and the Bears have certainly sent the Lions a message by just silently being No. 1. They’re on top, and the Lions better get themselves ready for their rematch on January 4, 2026. Both team’s NFL bye weeks are long gone, they won’t have time to rest before the rematch, either.
As Pouncy from The Athletic notes, “The Lions are 6-4, third in the NFC North and on the outside looking in for the playoff race. This is not where they were expected to be after 11 weeks. They just lost a measuring-stick game against a contender in their conference, and any lingering hope of securing a first-round bye is just about lost after this outing.”
The Lions still absolutely have potential. Even though a bad game, the Detroit Lions’ linebacker unit was on fire. Jack Campbell finished the contest with 15 tackles and one tackle for loss. Alex Anzalone was also strong and made an impressive play in lockstep with Philadelphia Eagles tight end Kyle Granson on a deep shot.
So, where do the Detroit Lions go from here? Head coach Dan Campbell took over the play calling duties from offensive coordinator John Morton for this game, as he did for the team’s game against the Washington Commanders on November 9. Campbell also says he plans to do so for the rest of the year.
But, after this showing, this writer believes he should absolutely reconsider. Just because he was able to execute against a delated Commanders team, without their franchise quarterback, does not mean he’s equipped to make those calls in a game like the Lions had against the Eagles. Reach out to me with your thoughts.
In a heartwarming display of gratitude, wide receiver Stefon Diggs treated the New England Patriots’ offensive linemen to a memorable dinner last week. The weekly tradition of the offensive line gathering for a Thursday meal took on a new twist when Diggs, known for his generosity and camaraderie, had his personal chef cook a feast for the group. The dinner took place at center Garrett Bradbury’s house, and the offensive linemen were appreciative of the gesture.
A Thoughtful Gesture from Stefon Diggs
The idea for the dinner came about casually during a breakfast at the stadium, where Diggs, who has a history of bonding with teammates, mentioned he often cooks for the receivers and wanted to extend that same courtesy to the linemen. He suggested putting together a custom menu to suit the group’s preferences, and what followed was a meal that not only filled their stomachs but also fostered a sense of camaraderie.
The Menu That Delighted the Linemen
According to center/guard Ben Brown, the spread was nothing short of phenomenal. The menu included a variety of favorites like burgers, wings, steak, baked beans, salad, and desserts. It was clear that Diggs wanted to make the evening special, as the food smelled amazing the moment the linemen walked in. Brown expressed how much it meant to have such a thoughtful gesture from Diggs, acknowledging it as a generous act of kindness that strengthened the bond between teammates.
A Stronger Team Bond
“It was very kind of him,” Brown said of Diggs’ gesture. “To be able to share something like that with us, it meant a lot.” While the Patriots offensive line is known for their hard work and dedication on the field, moments like these off the field remind them of the importance of team unity. A shared meal, prepared with care, helps build a sense of family and trust that translates into better teamwork during games.
A Warm Moment of Camaraderie
The dinner wasn’t just about the food—it was about building relationships and fostering a culture of appreciation. With the Patriots fighting to strengthen their season and secure a place in the playoffs, the importance of team chemistry cannot be overstated. This gesture from Diggs helped remind the linemen that their efforts are noticed, not just by their coaches, but by their teammates as well.
As the Patriots continue their campaign, it’s clear that Stefon Diggs is not only a key player on the field but also a key figure in creating positive team dynamics off the field. His act of kindness, fueled by the desire to share a meal and some quality time with his teammates, shows that in football, the bond between players is as important as the plays on the field.
As the Patriots head into the remainder of their season, it’s moments like these—small but significant—that could make all the difference in their pursuit of success.