The game against the Packers on Thanksgiving was one that fans would like to forget. For the team, it could either serve as a breaking point or an important lesson on the way to a playoff run.
The biggest cog in the machine that is the Lions season, however, remains the rookies.
Some made big impacts in what was a less-than-ideal game all around, but the majority were folded into the rest of the forgettable day. Sam LaPorta found the endzone, and Jahmyr Gibbs had some touches, but on defense, the rookies couldn’t have had less of an impact.
It was a rare bad day for a rookie class that has carried a lot of the weight for the team this season. Perhaps trusting this young group of players may prove to be the downfall of the season or it could be the ultimate “pressure makes diamonds” scenario. Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell have shown they can find talent and grow it, time for the rookies to learn from this bad day on a national stage to finish the season strong.
Jahmyr Gibbs
- 11 rushing attempts
- 54 rushing yards
- Four receptions
- 19 receiving yards
Sam LaPorta
- Five receptions
- Eight targets
- 47 receiving yards
- One touchdown
Brian Branch
- Eight total tackles
- Three solo tackles
- One pass deflection
Jack Campbell
- Three total tackles
- Two solo tackles
