The clash between the Detroit Lions and Indianapolis Colts always sparks excitement. Fans pack the stands, and stats tell the real story of who might pull ahead. In this matchup, player performance could swing the score, from quarterback throws to defensive stops. We’ll dive into the numbers that matter most, like passing yards and tackles, to see how each side stacks up. Understanding these Detroit Lions vs Colts player stats helps you spot the game’s turning points.
Quarterback Comparison: Arm Talent and Efficiency Metrics
Quarterbacks drive the offense, and their stats show who handles pressure best. Jared Goff leads the Lions with steady play, while the Colts rely on Gardner Minshew or Anthony Richardson. This face-off highlights passing accuracy and big plays that could decide the winner.
Jared Goff’s Recent Performance Metrics (Lions)
Goff shines in short passes and avoids mistakes. Over his last five games, he completes 68% of throws. That’s solid for keeping drives alive.
His TD-to-INT ratio sits at 12 to 3 in that span. He throws for 220 yards per game on average. Under pressure, his passer rating drops to 85, but he still finds open receivers.
In a recent win against the Bears, Goff hit 280 yards with two scores. No picks meant the Lions controlled the clock. Yards per attempt average 7.2, which fits their balanced attack.
Gardner Minshew/Anthony Richardson Outlook (Colts)
Minshew starts if Richardson sits, focusing on quick decisions. He completes 65% of passes lately, with a low turnover rate. That keeps the Colts in games.
For Minshew, EPA per play reaches 0.15 on passes. He avoids sacks by stepping up fast. But deep shots limit his big-yardage games.
Richardson adds legs if he plays. His rushing adds 4.5 yards per carry over five games. EPA jumps to 0.25 when he runs versus passes at 0.10. Against the Lions’ front, his speed tests their gaps.
Offensive Line Dominance: Protecting the Passer and Opening Running Lanes
Offensive lines set the tone for success. They block rushers and create paths for runs. In this Detroit Lions vs Colts matchup, their stats reveal who controls the line of scrimmage.
Protecting the Pockets: Sacks and Pressures Allowed
The Lions’ line allows just 1.8 sacks per game. That’s among the league’s best. Pressures hit Goff only 25% of dropbacks, per PFF data.
Colts fare worse at 2.5 sacks allowed weekly. Their pressure rate climbs to 32%. Minshew feels the heat, rushing his throws.
Both units face tough tests. Lions’ tackles hold firm against edges. Colts struggle in zone blitzes, leading to hurried passes.
Run Blocking Efficiency: Yards After Contact and Hole Success Rate
Lions’ line excels in run support. Runners gain 3.2 yards after contact on average. Success rate on inside runs hits 45%.
Colts push for 2.8 yards post-contact. Their hole creation shines on outside zones at 40% success. But stuff rate creeps to 18% up the middle.
In a Lions game versus the Packers, their O-line powered 150 rushing yards. That wore down the defense late. Colts need better push to match that grind.
Defensive Front Seven Impact: Generating Havoc and Stopping the Run
Defenses win championships, and the front seven disrupts plays. Lions boast a fierce group, while Colts aim to contain. Stats like sacks and stops paint the picture here.
Edge Rusher Showdown: Sacks and QB Hits Comparison
Aidan Hutchinson leads Lions with 8 sacks this season. Over the past month, he logs 15 pressures. He beats tackles quick, forcing bad throws.
Colts’ Dayo Odeyingbo has 5 sacks. His QB hits total 12 lately. But he faces Hutchinson’s side in practice? No, this matchup tests both.
Hutchinson holds an edge over Colts’ left tackle. He wins 35% of snaps. That could rattle Minshew early.
Linebacking Performance: Tackles for Loss (TFL) and Coverage Success
Lions’ Alex Anzalone grabs 6 TFLs. His tackles average 2.5 yards deep. Coverage limits receivers to 5 yards per catch.
Colts’ Zaire Franklin posts 7 TFLs. He stops runs at 3.8 yards per carry in his zone. But slot coverage allows 6.2 receptions weekly.
Run defense differs. Lions hold foes to 3.9 yards per rush. Colts allow 4.5, struggling on draws. Anzalone’s speed closes gaps fast.
Skill Position Battle: Receiving Yards and Target Share Analysis
Wideouts and backs catch the spotlight. Their yards and shares show who gets the ball. In Lions vs Colts player stats, this battle decides explosive plays.
Lions Receivers vs. Colts Secondary Coverage
Amon-Ra St. Brown leads with 25% target share. His yards per route run hit 2.4. He thrives in the slot, gaining 70 yards per game.
Sam LaPorta adds tight end threat at 1.8 YPRR. Colts’ secondary yields 65 yards to slot receivers. That’s a mismatch for St. Brown.
Colts cover zones well but man up struggles. Lions exploit that with quick slants. Expect 150 combined receiving yards from top Lions.
- St. Brown’s air yards: 8 per target
- LaPorta’s red-zone targets: 40% share
- Colts’ slot yards allowed: 55 per game
Running Back Usage and Receiving Threat
David Montgomery carries 55% of Lions’ load. He rushes for 4.2 yards per tote. Out of backfield, he catches 20 passes for 180 yards.
Jahmyr Gibbs complements with speed. His receiving YPRR is 2.1. Together, they total 1,200 scrimmage yards.
Jonathan Taylor dominates Colts’ runs at 4.5 yards per carry. His targets hit 15% share. Zack Moss adds 25 catches for 200 yards.
RBs face linebackers in flats. Lions’ backs gain 4 yards after catch. Colts’ duo pushes 3.5. Taylor’s burst tests Lions’ pursuit.
Special Teams Contribution and Game-Changing Plays
Special teams flip field position and score points. Punts and kicks matter in tight spots. For this matchup, their efficiency could steal momentum.
Field Position Differential and Punting Efficiency
Lions start drives at their 28-yard line on average. That’s a plus-3 differential. Their punter downs 40% inside the 20.
Colts average 25-yard starts. Net punting sits at 42 yards. They pin foes 35% deep.
Better field spot aids Lions’ offense. Colts must flip it with returns. Watch for fake punts in close quarters.
Kicking Game Reliability Under Pressure
Lions’ Jake Bates makes 85% of field goals. From 40-plus, he converts 7 of 9. Clutch kicks win games like last week’s 48-yarder.
Colts’ Matt Gay hits 88% overall. Long ones? 6 of 10. Pressure shows in wind, missing two outdoors.
Both kickers face do-or-die moments. Bates edges in range. Gay’s accuracy holds in domes.
Conclusion: Key Statistical Takeaways and Predictive Edge
Player stats from this Detroit Lions vs Colts breakdown show clear edges. Goff’s efficiency outpaces Minshew’s, especially under less pressure from a strong O-line. Hutchinson’s rush could sack the Colts three times, tilting the pass game.
Lions’ receivers exploit secondary gaps for 200-plus yards. Their run defense limits Taylor below 80 yards. Special teams give Detroit better position.
The game hinges on Lions’ YAC control—hold Colts under 40, and they win by 7. Watch Gibbs in the passing game for big gains. Tune in; these numbers predict a Lions victory. Share your picks in the comments—what stat surprises you most?
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