In an impressive display of resilience, the Detroit Lions fought off the Arizona Cardinals in Glendale, securing a 20-13 victory on Sunday.

While the Lions still showcased some vulnerabilities, they managed to address previous shortcomings that cost them in earlier games, notably against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Here's a breakdown of the stock report highlighting the team’s performers after the matchup.

Risers: Notable Players Stepping Up

1. Carlton Davis III, Cornerback

Stats: 7 tackles, 1 tackle for loss

Davis was a standout in Sunday’s game, not only excelling in coverage but also emerging as the Lions’ top run defender. His performance was crucial, especially after linebacker Derrick Barnes exited with an injury. Davis’s impressive fourth-down stop on Kyler Murray was a game-changer, showcasing his relentless efforts and strategic play.

2. Aaron Glenn, Defensive Coordinator

Glenn's defensive strategy underwent a transformation at halftime. Following a shaky start—where Murray rushed for 34 yards on the opening drive—Glenn's adjustments limited Murray to just 11 rushing yards for the remainder of the game. This tactical change revealed Glenn’s ability to adapt and effectively guide the defense to stymie the Cardinals’ plays.

3. Kerby Joseph, Safety

Stats: 3 tackles, 2 passes defended, 1 interception

Joseph played a pivotal role in the Lions’ defense by snatching an end-zone interception, halting a potential scoring drive by the Cardinals right after halftime. His ability to balance aggression with disciplined coverage indicates a significant maturation in his game.

4. Jared Goff, Quarterback

Stats: 18/23, 199 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT

Goff demonstrated growth from his previous performances, showing both poise and efficiency. Despite an interception that could have been disastrous, he played a crucial role in the fourth quarter, solidifying his position as a capable leader on the field.

5. Brock Wright, Tight End

With Dan Skipper's exit early in the game, Wright stepped up with four receptions on five targets. His versatile play was essential for maintaining offensive flow, even though he had a moment of struggle on a key blocking play.

Fallers: Areas for Improvement

1. Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Linebacker

Stats: 1 tackle

Reeves-Maybin faced a rough outing, accumulating minimal stats and committing a costly unnecessary roughness penalty that allowed the Cardinals to advance into field goal range. This is uncharacteristic for him, leading to questioning his place in the rotation moving forward.

2. Sam LaPorta, Tight End

LaPorta's influence on the offense has lessened as the season progresses. He struggled during blocking assignments, particularly on a crucial run play, limiting his impact in plays that could have resulted in significant yardage.

3. Josh Paschal, Defensive Lineman

Paschal's presence was barely felt during the game, highlighted only by a dubious roughing the passer penalty. In a competitive defensive line rotation, he must find ways to stand out to regain his footing.

4. Jameson Williams, Wide Receiver

Stats: 1 reception for 9 yards, and a negative rushing attempt

While Williams had a quiet statistical day, his presence opened up opportunities for other receivers by drawing defenders deep. His ability to impact the game, despite not showing it in numbers, is worth noting as defenses continue to focus on him.

Conclusion: A Step Forward for the Lions

The Detroit Lions have showcased their potential with this latest victory, revealing talent and depth across positions. While certain players have experienced ups and downs, the overall performance indicates a team on the rise, ready to tackle future challenges head-on. With key players stepping up and others needing to elevate their game, the anticipation for the upcoming matches is more exciting than ever!