Are the 2018 Detroit Lions pretenders or contenders?
By Matt Bosko
The Detroit Lions kept their season alive with a 31-23 win over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. Where does the team stand heading into their bye week?
The Detroit Lions enter their bye week with a 2-3 record, good enough to remain in striking distance of the rest of the NFC North teams. Based on the team’s first five games, it is hard to discern whether the Lions are contenders or pretenders.
The Lions’ two victories came against the New England Patriots and the Green Bay Packers, arguably two of the most competitive teams in the NFL.
The team’s three losses came against the New York Jets, the San Francisco 49ers, and the Dallas Cowboys – all of which currently have more losses than wins.
It makes little sense, and it leaves fans with more questions than answers about what the Lions are really made of. Let’s look at what they have done well, and what needs improvement going forward.
Why They Are Contenders
Competitive Spirit
With the loss to the Jets being the exception, the Lions have been competitive in every game since that Week 1 disaster. Their subsequent losses to the 49ers and Cowboys were by a total of five points. A play here and there easily has the Lions sitting at 4-1.
The team has shown improvement since Week 1, an important trait with a new coaching staff. Reports of Matt Patricia losing the locker room seem unfounded after convincing wins against the Patriots and Packers. If one thing about this team is clear, it’s that they do not give up.