Detroit Lions Defense Stifles Philadelphia Eagles Offense, Continues Streak

Defense is the mashed potatoes to the offensive Thanksgiving turkey.

Everybody will talk about the Detroit Lions' putting up 45 points and Matthew Stafford's five touchdown passes. It's the golden skin and house-filling smells that make everyone compliment the chef for the good work done on the bird.

Or in this case, the Philadelphia Eagles.

But the real cause behind every great meal is the mashed potatoes—the down-home, basic, fundamental defense that keeps opponents off the scoreboard and the field.

"

I could do Thanksgiving any day of the year. Turkey and mashed potatoes got to be one of the best combos out there.

— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) November 26, 2015"

Fine. It took both sides of the ball for Detroit to get this win, but the Lions' defensive dominance has been the key to three straight victories.

Late to Dinner

The Lions have been eating well for three weeks now after starting off 1-7. While offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter deserves credit for cobbling together a few winning drives, it's defensive coordinator Teryl Austin who deserves the first slice of pumpkin pie.

Opponent	Rush Yds	Pass Yds	1st Downs	Points
Green Bay	47	325	22	16
Oakland	52	164	13	13
Philadelphia	68	159	14	14

If one is a fluke, and two is a coincidence, then three is a trend. Philadelphia has been reeling for a few weeks, but the Packers and Raiders were productive offenses coming into those matchups.

Austin has been dialing up the right calls and using his new cornerbacks to their advantages. Quandre Diggs and Nevin Lawson are at their best when they can be physical, and that's exactly how Austin has deployed them.

And let's not forget about the defensive effort against the Seahawks a couple of months ago. Had the offense been able to put up just two touchdowns' worth of points, the playoffs would be an arguable reality.

Getting Ziggy with It

Ezekiel "Ziggy" Ansah loves him some Turkey Day.

"

TURKEY DANCE! https://t.co/6hZEphyqZW pic.twitter.com/8hzni7Crko

— SB Nation (@SBNation) November 26, 2015"

This time, he wasn't gobbling up the Bears but rather Eagles quarterback Mark Sanchez. And he isn't ashamed to go back for seconds.

Or thirds.

"

Lions now giving Ansah only a half-sack on that last one. So he has 3.5 today and 11.5 for season, which matches JJ Watt for league lead.

— Kyle Meinke (@kmeinke) November 26, 2015"

Ansah added four tackles as well, two of which went for a loss. It was a complete game from Detroit's most talented defender, and he might be slowly earning his way into the Defensive Player of the Year discussion.

Will Austin Get a Second Helping?

As the season winds down, people will pay some attention to a hopefully historic winning streak and playoff run. That's the type of wishful thinking that fans can enjoy, but the real question is whether Austin has done enough to come back next season.

"

If Teryl Austin is the next head coach of the Lions... I'm happy with that.

— Ian (@extrapointIan) November 26, 2015"

Is that a crazy assertion? Because Detroit is easily 1-2 in the last two games without Austin.

"

Can't wait to study the All-22 of this game. Teryl Austin is doing an outstanding job so far with his gameplan/preparation.

— James Light (@JamesALight) November 26, 2015"

The Lions had one of the league's most dominant defenses ever when it had Ndamukong Suh and a healthy linebacking corps. It took the majority of eight games, but Austin now has his unit as dialed in as last year's, giving hope that he truly is a defensive guru.

Whatever the ultimate decision is, Lions fans can enjoy their Thanksgiving dinner thanks to his efforts. And maybe he'll be serving up these types of meals for years to come in Motown.

All advanced stats are courtesy of Pro Football Focus.

Brandon Alisoglu is a Detroit Lions Featured Columnist. He also co-hosts a Lions-centric podcast, Lions Central Radio. Yell at him on Twitter @BrandonAlisoglu.