MINNEAPOLIS – There haven't been a whole lot of bright spots for the Detroit Lions this season, but the play of third-year wide receiver Kenny Golladay has been one.
Golladay recorded his 10th touchdown catch of the year late in Detroit's 20-7 loss to Minnesota Sunday. He also notched 58 receiving yards, which gives him 1,008 for the season.
It's the second consecutive year Golladay's crossed the 1,000 yard threshold, becoming the first player in franchise history to produce two 1,000-yard seasons within their first three years in the NFL.
The former third-round pick has become one of the top young receivers in the NFL.
He's just the fifth player in team history to record a 1,000-yard season with at least 10 touchdowns, joining Calvin Johnson (2008, 2010-11, 2013), Herman Moore (1994-95), Terry Barr (1963) and Cloyce Box (1950).
Golladay's 10 touchdowns are a career high and currently lead the NFL.
He's averaging 19.0 yards per reception and needs just 55 receiving yards over his last three games to match his career high of 1,063 yards, which he set last year.
It's been a tough year for the 3-9-1 Lions, but Golladay's play all year, and his quick ascension into the conversation as one of the top young receivers in the game, has been a positive.
INJURIES ADD UP
Running back Bo Scarbrough left Sunday's game with a rib injury, but told reporters after the game that he'll be fine. The injury occurred in the second half after he'd run 19 times for 65 yards.
Right tackle Rick Wagner suffered a knee injury and did not return, defensive tackle A'Shawn Robinson left with a shoulder injury, though he did return, and safety Tracy Walker suffered an undisclosed injury that gave him a noticeable limp as he left the locker room after the game.
Linebacker Jarrad Davis suffered a right ankle injury that eventually forced him from the game, and wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. appeared to be banged up late in the game with an undisclosed injury.
NO QUIT
Credit the Lions players and coaches for fighting until the very end Sunday, despite facing a 20-point deficit late in the fourth quarter.
With 2:14 left in the game trailing 20-0, Detroit faced a 4th and 5 from the Vikings' 10-yard line. Head coach Matt Patricia decided to go for it, and Blough threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Golladay.
Patricia could have kicked the field goal to keep the goose egg off the board, but he was still fighting to win the game, and his players were too.
EXTRA POINT
- Detroit had three players each produce at least 10 total tackles for the first time since at least 1999 (Tracy Walker, 13; Tavon Wilson, 11; Jahlani Tavai, 11).
