Patriots’ defence under fire after giving up 40 points.
The Detroit Lions have made a statement early in the NFL pre-season after belting the New England Patriots 40-9.
While the Pats defence was questioned after leaking as many points as they did, it the was Lions defence who were praised as they forced several mistakes from star quarterback Tom Brady.
The Patriots’ first-team offense, which looked to be in midseason form in its first two exhibition games, was in preseason form at Ford Field.
Tight end Zach Sudfeld and running backs Brandon Bolden and Shane Vereen lost fumbles and Brady was picked off in four of New England’s first five possessions.
The other possession was a three-and-out that ended with Zoltan Mesko’s punt.
Brady played four series in the first two preseason games combined, completing 18 of his 20 passes for 172 yards and two touchdowns in two victories. But in a half of work in Detroit, he was 16 of 24 for 185 yards and the second-quarter interception by Detroit cornerback Chris Houston.
Detroit start Matt Stafford played the entire first half and helped the Lions set up their commanding lead, throwing 12-25 for 166 yards, all of which was accomplished without his preferred target Calvin Johnson.
The star wide receiver was left out of the side again after missing last week’s game against Cleveland, with the club not taking any risks with his bruised knee at this stage of the season.
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