Lions lineman already looks finished one game into the season
When news of Taylor Decker's absence hit the timeline ahead of Week 5, Detroit Lions fans sat up a bit in their seats. This injury, which had been lingering for weeks, meant that the team would have to start second year tackle Giovanni Manu in Decker's place.
After a promising preseason, Manu would be dealt a huge test against the Cincinnati Bengals' defensive line that's helmed by Trey Hendrickson, a sack artist. If he could piece together a somewhat okay showing against Hendrickson and the Bengals, then the Lions could begin to incorporate him more into the offense and allow for Decker to nurse his shoulder injury a bit more.
Instead, what fans got was a four sack afternoon suffered by Jared Goff, which luckily didn't injure the quarterback or lead to a loss. The Lions' defense was clearly not okay with leaving Paycor Stadium with a loss, especially before a Week 6 bout against the Kansas City Chiefs on the road.
Manu clearly has a long, long way to go. And, that's not the timeline that Detroit has in mind for themselves, nor for their second year tackle that just can't seem to find a groove in live game situations.
Manu already looks done at tackle for Lions
Detroit doesn't have much of a choice at the moment when it comes to who they slot in at left tackle in Decker's absence - if, of course, that's a long term absence. We know the team told Manu he'd be starting as early as Tuesday ahead of Week 5, so he had plenty of time to get into the mindset that he had to show out in this game and prepare like a starter would.
Instead, he folded. To be fair, Cincinnati is not an easy team to handle, defensively. Hendrickson got his work in against Manu, but so did players like Joseph Ossai and Myles Murphy. Manu looked really good to begin the game, and then slowly faded away. It was very clear considering how much the rest of the line has improved over the last few weeks.
What can the Lions do as they creep towards an even tougher portion of their schedule, potentially without Decker? There's a thin amount of talent that could be available at left tackle on the trade market ahead of the November deadline, but that's something the team might need to consider going in on if Manu continues to struggle in relief of Decker.
Even if Decker returns, it's obvious his injury woes are going to be something the team manages long term. They should be finding a more reliable insurance policy for him on the market instead of relying too much on Manu.
Jahmyr Gibbs's career day leads Lions to comeback win vs. Giants
The Detroit Lions were pushed to their limits on Sunday.
Despite giving up 517 total yards to Jameis Winston and the New York Giants, Detroit was able to escape with a 34-27 overtime win and improve its record to 7-4 this season.
The comeback win was highlighted by a career performance from running back Jahmyr Gibbs on a day when his team needed it most.
Jahmyr Gibbs' stellar performance
Gibbs is undoubtedly one of the top running backs in the NFL right now, and that was put on full display in Sunday's win.
Gibbs tallied 219 rushing yards and two touchdowns on just 15 carries. That was good for 14.6 yards per carry, and it included his 69-yard rushing touchdown on the Lions' first snap in overtime.
Along the rushing yards, Gibbs added a season high 11 catches for 45 yards and a receiving touchdown.
In total, Gibbs tallied 264 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns. Three touchdowns in a game ties a season high for Gibbs, while the 264 scrimmage yards are both the most this season as well as in his career.
Defensive concerns?
As we noted above, Detroit did allow over 500 yards to a bad Giants offense. It was an uncharacteristic performance from a Lions defense that ranked fifth in the NFL in yards allowed headed into Sunday.
Upcoming games against the Green Bay Packers, Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Rams will certainly test Detroit's defense down the home stretch of the season.
