Cris Collinsworth Blasts Lions’ ‘Disaster’ Final Drive in Painful Panthers Loss
The Detroit Lions had one final opportunity to steal a victory from the Carolina Panthers on Sunday Night Football, but their last offensive possession quickly turned into a nightmare.
Detroit ultimately fell 32-26 at Bank of America Stadium, dropping to 2-2 on the season after failing to capitalize on a late chance to take the lead.
Jared Goff and the Lions’ offense had just over two minutes remaining after Carolina punted the ball to Detroit’s 13-yard line. A touchdown would have given the Lions a chance to complete the comeback.
Instead, the drive lasted just four plays and failed to produce a single first down.
Goff opened the possession with a short completion to Amon-Ra St. Brown. After the two-minute warning, however, Goff was sacked for a six-yard loss.
On third down, Goff attempted to find Sam LaPorta deep downfield, but the pass fell incomplete.
Facing fourth-and-13, Detroit managed a 12-yard completion to rookie receiver Isaac TeSlaa, but he was tackled just short of the line to gain.
Turnover on downs.
The disappointing sequence drew a furious reaction from NBC analyst Cris Collinsworth, who questioned why the Lions didn’t rely more heavily on quick throws to their playmakers.
«“That was a disaster. That possession by the Detroit Lions was a disaster.”»
Collinsworth’s criticism summed up a frustrating ending for Detroit.
Goff had otherwise put together an impressive performance, throwing for 412 yards and a touchdown. But when the Lions needed one final scoring drive, the offense couldn’t produce.
Carolina, meanwhile, got a huge performance from rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, who finished with 14 catches for 192 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Chuba Hubbard also rushed for 122 yards and two scores.
Bryce Young completed 29 of 41 passes for 329 yards and two touchdowns as the Panthers improved to 2-2.
The Lions will now have to regroup quickly, with a Week 5 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals next on the schedule.
