Growth has been a theme throughout the 2021 season for the Detroit Lions. Against the in Week 11, this was amplified. With starting quarterback sidelined with an oblique injury, the Lions were forced to turn to backup It was the first career start for the 27-year-old, who finished 15-for-23 for 77 yards and two interceptions. The Lions had a tough afternoon offensively, and ultimately lost to the Browns, 13-10. Ive been in the NFL for four years now. Im not a rookie, said. Its my first start, but Ive been around it, so I appreciate it. But, when youre in there for a full four quarters, it gives you a new appreciation. But, ultimately, they called my number to come play well, and I didnt do well enough, which is the unfortunate part. But, good learning experience. Im gonna bank all those reps and be better for it. He completed his first pa s of the afternoon, a quick play-action pa s to tight end . On his second po se sion, however, he threw his first interception on a choice route intended for running back DAndre Swift. On the play, Boyle was expecting his running back to sit in the open spot. Joshua Dobbs Jersey However, Swift opted to cut inside. As a result, the quarterback threw behind him, and was promptly picked off. A good learning experience for me, Boyle said. I have to be more patient with him. I couldve taken a little longer to see the route develop. I think, ultimately, he made the right decision. Thats why Im a little bummed about Tyson Alualu Jersey it. Yeah, just miscommunication, and (it) ultimately falls on me. It was a struggle all afternoon to get the pa sing game going, as his longest pa s went for just 24 yards. The second interception came on a deep throw intended for newly acquired Josh Reynolds, which was picked off by Denzel Ward. Throwing up a 50-50 ball, expecting Josh to go make the play, Boyle said. But, stuff like that happens sometimes. A good corner who gets paid a lot of money steps in front of the ball. Another learning experience I think for the both of us."Conservative play-callingHead coach Dan Campbell was conservative with his play-calling, opting for short pa ses instead of airing the ball out. Its not up to me, Boyle said. Whatever he calls, its gonna be great. Its up to us to execute what he calls, and we all trust him. Hes an awesome head coach, and we love playing for him. We love fighting for him, because he fights for us. He really does. Scroll to ContinueDespite the pa sing-game struggles, Boyle was kept on his feet for most of the game. Against one of the best pa s rushes in football, Boyle did not take a sack. Boyle is fresh off injured reserve, where he spent the first 10 weeks of the season after suffering a thumb injury. He practiced for the first time since the preseason last week. Because of this, theres a lack of chemistry between the first-year Lions quarterback and most of his pa s-catching teammates. It was my first time playing with all of those guys, Boyle said. I got a couple starts in preseason, I dont think I had a bunch of those guys. First time throwing with Swift this week, first time throwing with T.J. (Hockenson) this week. So, it was just getting the timing down, and we worked through those as the week progre sed. But, yeah, I havent played football in 10, 11 weeks. Not an excuse at all.Leading into the game, Boyle spoke with both Goff and practice-squad quarterback Steven Montez. He and Montez spent Saturday night going over every play, and Goff offered him advice.Jared told me early in the week, the first quarter in T. J. Watt Jersey the first start is kind of a blur, and he was 100 percent right, Boyle said. It happened quick. You settle into the game. Overall, good experience, but at the end of the day, didnt play well enough to win and that falls on me. Lots of room to grow in that department. Though it was his first start, Boyle was confident in his abilities. Heading into the game, he held himself to a standard of playing well. With a lo s, he feels that standard was not met. My expectation is to play well every week, Boyle said. Thats my expectation as a player, thats what the team expects from whoevers playing quarterback for the Lions and ultimately, the quarterback touches the ball every play. Its up to us to go get the win. All in all, it was an emotional afternoon. As with anyone making their first NFL start, Boyle tried to balance excitement with remaining poised. Franco Harris Jersey It was kind of a roller coaster at times emotionally, Boyle said. Youre amped up, and its your first start and youre away and youre at a cool place like this, where the fans are gonna be loud and you kind of have that kid-like energy. But, also, at quarterback,, you have to be cool, calm, collected. You have to think clearly. So, all week, it was kind of just a matter of finding the middle ground between the two, and I think I did a good job. With the Lions facing a short week to prepare for their Thanksgiving game, Boyle could very well make a second consecutive start.With every rep that I get, whether it be a start or Im out there for a single rep, Im gonna continue to get better, because Ive been in the NFL for four years. Before this game, I think I threw four pa ses. I havent had a bulk of experience. With every opportunity I get, Im gonna continue to get better. I firmly believe that," Dan McCullers Jersey Boyle said.Shortest week in footballIf he is the signal-caller against the Chicago Bears, it will be a dream-come-true for the Connecticut native. Thanksgiving, man, I remember watching Cowboy games and Lions games when I was a little kid, Boyle said. Just the fact that I get to partake and just be on the roster of an NFL game on Thanksgiving is just gonna be so special. Its interesting, because it is the shortest week in football. David Blough always reminds us, Hey, its the shortest week in football. We've got to turn it around. Hes right, but Thanksgiving is gonna be special, it really will."