NFL News & Analysis

NFL Week 8 PFF ReFocused: Detroit Lions 31, New York Giants 26

The Detroit Lions beat the New York Giants, 31-26, in Week 8 of NFL action.

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PFF's ReFocused series features immediate takeaways from the two analysts who graded the game live. The two offer a detailed breakdown of the game's most notable performances before the grades and advanced stats are reviewed and finalized by Senior Analysts.

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Final score

Detroit Lions 31, New York Giants 26

Detroit Lions

Wide receiver Danny Amendola was a safety blanket for Matthew Stafford. A majority of his receptions led to first downs, as the Lions consistently utilized him over the middle.

With Kerryon Johnson out, the Lions struggled to get much going in the run game. Ty Johnson and Tra Carson got a bulk of the carries, but neither player showed the ability to make defenders miss and turn something out nothing.

Justin Coleman had a rough day in coverage for the Lions. The cornerback was constantly picked on, and while he was able to contest a handful of throws, he struggled to make tackles after the catch.

Saquon Barkley had very little wiggle room every time he took a handoff. Led by interior defensive linemen Da'Shawn Hand and Damon Harrison Sr., the Lions consistently clogged the rushing lanes, making Barkley have to work for every yard he earned.

New York Giants

Golden Tate was a thorn in the Lions' side throughout the matchup. The veteran wideout made several contested catches and forced a handful of missed tackles, as Jones looked to him early and often.

While Saquon Barkley struggled to get going on the ground, he proved to be a valuable asset through the air. He registered several yards after the catch, as the Lions struggled to bring him down after first contact.

At the end of the day, giving up big plays through the air led to New York's demise. The first was a 49-yard connection on a corner route from Stafford to Marvin Hall for a 14-0 lead in the first quarter. Later on, a busted coverage for the Giants led to a wide-open Kenny Golladay for a 41-yard touchdown.

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