Week 11 NFC North Recap: Vikings Back In The Cellar

Detroit Lions  7-3

The Detroit Lions currently sit atop the NFC North, winning the tiebreaker due to a win over the Green Bay Packers in week 3.  Detroit had a one game lead over the Packers coming into week 11, but suffered a 6-14 loss to the Drew Stanton led Cardinals.

Nov 16, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals receiver

(15) celebrates with receivers

(11) and

(12) after scoring on a 12-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Arizona was led by current Cardinals backup and former Detroit Lions backup Drew Stanton.  The first quarter of the game saw Stanton connect with wide receiver Michael Floyd for two early touchdowns in the first quarter, but failed to find the end zone after that.  Stanton accumulated 306 yards through the air against the tough Lions defense, throwing two interceptions in the process.

But the Lions couldn’t take advantage of the Cardinals turnovers and struggled on offense, picking up only 11 first downs and converting only 5 of their 15 third down attempts.  Even the usually solid connection of Matt Stafford to Calvin Johnson wasn’t working. Megatron was targeted 12 times in the contest, hauling in only 5 of them for 59 yards.  Much of that can be attributed to the excellent pass coverage of Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson.

The loss to Arizona kept the Lions at 7 wins with a hot Green Bay Packers team on their heels in the division race.  Next week, the Detroit Lions will travel to New England to take on the Patriots.

Next: The Green Bay Packers