Detroit Lions Lose Game on Miscommunication

December 19, 2010; Tampa, FL, USA; Detroit Lions center Dominic Raiola (51) during the second half of their game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Detroit Lions defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE

Miscommunication? The Lions wasted a miracle comeback on a miscommunication between the quarterback Shaun Hill and center Dominic Raiola, according to Jim Schwartz. He sugar coated it. Raiola screwed up big time. I don’t know how on earth a play is called at the most critical moment of a football game and the center didn’t get the memo. This game leaves a really sour taste in my mouth because the Lions could have won this one. Instead, they botched it.

I couldn’t believe my eyes when the Lions kept handing off the ball to Mikel Leshoure in the first half. The same strategy that failed them in San Francisco was on display yesterday in Tennessee. It seemed like offensive coordinator Scott Linehan had a new toy to play with and couldn’t help himself by calling his number over and over. Leshoure looked good, everything we heard he was, displaying speed and the power to get himself some yards after contact. That still isn’t a good enough reason for Calvin Johnson, the best receiver in the game, to have only one catch for 6 yards going into halftime. I can’t call this “Team Swag” anymore if they’re going to let the other team take away what the Lions do best.

There’s an awful lot of blame to go around this Monday, from the coaching staff down the waterboy. I guess I should have known that Brandon Pettigrew was going to have a bad day when the very first pass to him went flying through his hands. Why does he have such a hard time catching routine balls thrown his way? I was totally disgusted when a defensive back stole the ball from him and scored a touchdown. It was easier than taking candy from a baby. One of these days he’s going to have to gain some more consistency if he’s to known as one of the game’s best tight ends.

I know Jacob Lacey is trying his best, but the guy still doesn’t know where the ball is on that touchdown catch. Lacey and his backfield mates aren’t getting the help from the defensive line that they and everyone else thought they would be getting this year. Jake Locker had all day to throw the ball and wasn’t even touched until overtime. We all knew the backfield was going to test our limits all season, but we expected the D-line to compensate for their weakness by blowing the other team off the ball. I just don’t see that happening. Gunther has to stop being stubborn and blitz once in awhile if the front four doesn’t start bringing more pressure.

The season is still young and there is a lot of football left, but it is discouraging to let the other team win because of a miscommunication. Who would have thought that the Lions would be so eager to get away for an early bye week after next weeks game against the suddenly not so bad Vikings?