Detroit Lions vs. New York Jets: 3 Things We Learned

The New York Jets were looking to bounce back from a Monday Night fiasco.  The Detroit Lions were looking to East Rutherford to continue their winning ways. 

3. The Detroit Lions are not completely Calvin Johnson dependent

Easy, not saying the Lions don't need Johnson, that's crazy.  I'm just saying we learned against a sub-par secondary, quarterback Matthew Stafford learned he has other weapons.  Johnson was on the receiving end of just two receptions for 12 yards.  And yet, quarterback Stafford ended the game with 293 yards and two passing touchdowns. 

We learned what we already knew, the Jets' secondary is sub-par.

2. Chris Ivory is working it

The Lions' entered the game with the number two rushing defense.  Ivory didn't blink.  Ivory finished the game with 17 rushes for 84 yards.  He averaged 4.9 yards a carry.  It is illuminating that Ivory collected 51 of his yards on the Jets first possession of the game.  On that drive he carried the ball nine times.

We learned that Ivory is quietly putting together a solid season.  Now if he could only get some offensive help.

1. The Jets front line is that good

The Jets' front line is really good.  Unfortunately, it is getting lost in the rest of the team being really bad.  But against the prolific offense of the Lions, the front seven did their job.  That included holding the Lions' running backs to under 100 yards collectively.  It also included sacking quarterback Stafford four times.

We learned it is going to take more than a mighty defensive line to win a game.  They are going to need some help, just a little from somewhere.

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