Here’s why the Detroit Lions won their bye week
By Matt Bosko
The Detroit Lions may not have played this past Sunday, but managed to notch a victory thanks to a division rival falling short.
The Detroit Lions‘ bye week arrived early this season, and so it was a good week to keep an eye on the rest of the NFC North. A loss by any of the other teams in their division opens the door even wider for the Lions to stay in contention.
The Minnesota Vikings took care of business against the Arizona Cardinals, and the Green Bay Packers must wait until Monday night to play the San Francisco 49ers. Regardless of those results, thanks to the division-leading Chicago Bears, the Lions got their break. The Bears, fresh off a bye week of their own, squandered a golden opportunity on the road against the Miami Dolphins.
The Monsters of the Midway found themselves facing backup quarterback Brock Osweiler – not starter Ryan Tannehill – and fell flat on their faces. Not only is the loss itself a boost to the Lions’ hopes, but the way the Bears lost showed they may be more vulnerable than advertised.
The vaunted Bears’ defense surrendered 31 points to a team who turned to a journeyman backup, and although they forced three turnovers, failed to register a single sack. They gave up 380 yards in the air and 161 yards on the ground to a team for which they had two weeks of preparation.
The Lions’ coaching staff had plenty of reason to study this game, as it features two opponents on their schedule. The Dolphins host the Lions next week, and the Bears play the Motor City in both Week 10 and Week 12.
The Dolphins, who came into the game on a two-game skid, came away with the victory but not without showing their own vulnerabilities. They allowed quarterback Mitch Trubisky to pass for 316 yards and three scores plus allowed 164 yards rushing to the Bears.
On offense, Osweiler proved that he can handle himself admirably against a fierce defense, but he did throw two interceptions. Though the Dolphins believe that Tannehill’s sore shoulder is not a long-term issue, head coach Adam Gase did not offer a timetable for his return to the field.
It is entirely possible that the Lions will play against a second-string quarterback next week. While that does not guarantee a victory, it certainly increases their chances. And it always helps to have the luxury of studying Sunday’s game tape to scout the Dolphins’ strengths and weaknesses.
Lions all-time wide receivers in the Tecmo Bowl era. dark. Next
Next week, the Detroit Lions have an opportunity to steal a key win on the road. Additionally, the week of rest and recovery may allow some key players to return to action. Keep an eye on defensive end Ezekiel Ansah and right guard T.J. Lang this week, in particular.