Detroit Lions: Hang this latest loss on Matthew Stafford

The Detroit Lions had a chance to win a critical divisional matchup against the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, turnovers killed their chances.

Following their disappointing holiday loss to the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving, Detroit Lions running back LeGarrette Blount took to the media to defend his quarterback Matthew Stafford. Blount called Stafford “human” and said “we all make mistakes”.

Blount is right. Humans make mistakes. And Stafford made two costly mistakes against an ailing Bears to that was ripe for being handed a loss. Chicago didn’t even have their starting quarterback under center, Mitchell Trubisky, due to a shoulder injury.

Instead, the Lions defense had to face backup quarterback Chase McDaniel. And although the 10-year veteran did a nice job in relief, the Detroit defense still held him and the Bears’ offense to only 16 points. That would win most ballgames in the NFL. But not in Motown.

Once again, the Lions’ offense was their own worst enemy as they posted yet another very slow start to the game. Detroit didn’t score until the second quarter. And that Blount rushing touchdown wouldn’t have even happened without a miracle catch by fullback Nick Bellore on a questionable fourth down conversion attempt.

Stafford, Blount, wide receiver Kenny Golladay and the rest of the Lions offense picked things up in the second half. And it appeared that Detroit was in control of the contest until the team’s highest paid player threw a pick six midway through the fourth quarter, giving the Bears a 23-16 lead.

Although the Lions offense attempted to make another one of their famous final frame comebacks, a miscommunication between Stafford and tight end Michael Roberts resulted in a game-sealing interception in the endzone. Detroit’s franchise quarterback since 2009 finish the game completing 28 of his 38 passes for 236 yards, zero touchdowns and those two costly picks.

Look, I get it. The front office and injuries had Stafford trying to compete against a stout Chicago defense without three of his biggest weapons. Wide receiver Golden Tate was traded, while wideout Marvin Jones and rookie running back Kerryon Johnson were sidelined due to knee injuries.

But Matthew Stafford proved he could have success with the available weapons around him in the second half. And his two terrible interceptions were the difference in the loss. You simply expect more from a 10-year veteran who is responsible for a whopping $26.5 million salary cap hit this season. Hang this “L” on Stafford’s shoulder pads.