Detroit Lions: Goal is to improve in 2018, but not too much

WEEK 2 PREVIEW

So, a trip to the west coast to meet the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday (4:05 p.m. ET, FOX) comes at the worst time. The Detroit Lions have their work cut out for them. The Niners also lost in Week 1, and they will be inspired to win their home opener.

Meanwhile a road game with a long flight and a short week is the perfect excuse for laying another egg in Week 2. There is little chance of winning this game. But what should the fans actually be rooting for this Sunday? Honestly, maybe it’s best if the Detroit Lions commit to losing.

Make no mistake, there has never been a time when I could muster the strength to actually root against the Detroit Lions. Trust me, it has never worked despite many attempts. My heart and soul, like many Detroit fans, is tied directly to this team’s success.

The problem is that if Detroit somehow has a respectable record this year, does it really help them? Staying below five wins for this season, and earning a top draft pick, might be the best thing for this franchise.

That sounds bad. But what is the point when the Detroit Lions open at home like that? A 4 and 12 season just makes more sense. Reload. Start fixing this roster.

The reality is that no matter where you pick, you should be able to build the team through proper scouting. That is known as (tongue in cheek) “The Patriot Way.”

The Detroit Lions can still make something of this season, but, as a fan, this year is going to be a grind. All of the fans are there to support this team through that 17-week grind. But how realistic is it for Detroit to make a run to the playoffs?

Being in the middle of the pack, feels like failure. For now, as the final record is far from being tallied, these players and coaches must get on the same page.

There needs to be signs of progress and accountability on this team. There are 15 more opportunities to prove wrong what happened in Week 1, but those games could also be 15 more chances to prove it right.