Lions play of the game: One snap, two big plays on defense

While this game wasn’t much to write home about, there were at least some noteworthy plays for the Detroit Lions in their 13-10 loss to the Cleveland Browns.

Most plays in this game left Lions fans with that all-too-familiar feeling of doom and gloom, but one single defensive play stood out as a potential turning point for the team.

The Lions entered the fourth quarter down 13-7 and Cleveland had possession of the ball. The Browns struggled to start that drive, committing two penalties over the course of three plays. On the fourth play of the drive, Baker Mayfield attempted a pass to tight end Austin Hooper which was batted down by Lions defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike.

On the very next play, the Lions defensive efforts paid off. Mayfield attempted a deep ball to his receiver, Jarvis Landry. Unfortunately for the Cleveland quarterback, Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone was able to get his hand on the ball and prevent it from making it to Landry. Undrafted rookie cornerback AJ Parker then had a great heads-up play and picked off the ball for his first career interception.

This big play for the defense gave Detroit back the ball with a majority of the fourth quarter still ahead of them. Despite their efforts, the Lions couldn’t make anything out of the drive and had to settle for a field goal.

This defensive play was the one moment of hope for the Lions to turn things around and win this game. While the offense failed to capitalize on the opportunity, the defense gave it their best effort.