Five Detroit Lions Takeaways from the win over Chicago

Don’t get too excited just yet

Oct 18, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions fullback Zach Zenner (34) carries the ball against the Chicago Bears players during the first quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

The win is nice, make no mistake. Being 1-5 is a lot better than being 0-6, and paired with the close losses earlier it proves coach Jim Caldwell’s mantra that his Lions are not as bad as the record appears.

Now for some cold reality…
• Chicago just isn’t a very good football team
• The two punt return gaffes would have cost Detroit against a better opponent
• Offensive injuries are a real problem going forward

The last point is the most critical. In his Monday press conference, Caldwell revealed that backup running back Zach Zenner suffered broken ribs and a partially collapsed lung. He’s out for the season. With starter Joique Bell still hobbled, the running back corps is terribly depleted.

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With the First Pick

Health and performance issues remain along the offensive line too. Right tackle LaAdrian Waddle left Sunday’s win with yet another malady. Cornelius Lucas, who had been playing as an H-back because the Lions only had one healthy tight end, was forced into action in Waddle’s place. On the very first play, Lucas was flagged for a blatant holding call. Normal right guard Larry Warford played Sunday but his outlook is uncertain going forward; even if he plays, he just hasn’t been the dominant presence he was as a third-round rookie in 2013.

Next: Matthew Stafford responds big in Lions win

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