Defensive adjustments showed up after halftime for both the Detroit Lions and Oakland Raiders as both teams struggled to mount a strong offensive drive in the third quarter which ended with the Raiders still leading 17-14.
The Raiders defense brought pressure from various angels to disrupt Matthew Stafford's passing rhythm. Late in the third quarter, the Lions appeared to find something, digging their way out of their own territory by utilizing a no-huddle offense. But the drive stalled at the Oakland 39 after the Lions were denied on a 4th and one rushing attempt and forced to turn the ball over on downs.
The Raiders were held down by poor field position on their first two possessions starting drives on their own 5 and 8-yard line. After the Lions failed fourth down, the Raiders had some breathing room and Carson Palmer connected with Darrius Heyward-Bey to move the Raiders into the red zone on the final play of the third quarter, but fumbled while running after the catch giving the ball to the Lions to start the fourth quarter.