Detroit Lions prove they can go toe-to-toe with NFL’s best
Despite losing a last-minute heartbreaker to the Kansas City Chiefs 34-30 on Sunday, the Detroit Lions proved themselves to be a formidable opponent.
The Detroit Lions were one defensive stop away from shocking the NFL and defeating the Kansas City Chiefs. And although the Lions didn’t win the game, they certainly proved they have the ability to go toe-to-toe with the best the league has to offer.
So far this season, the Chiefs’ offense has been overwhelming opponents. In Week One, Kansas City rolled over the Jacksonville Jaguars 40-26. The following game, the Chiefs beat the Oakland Raiders by an 18-point margin. Last week, against the then-undefeated Baltimore Ravens, Kansas City possessed a 17-point lead heading into the fourth quarter, ultimately winning the game 33-28.
Yet, against the Lions on Sunday, the Chiefs were down 30-27 with only 2:14 left in the game. Unfortunately, Detroit’s defense allowed quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Kansas City’s high-powered offense to drive the ball 74-yards on 13 plays to score the game-winning touchdown with :23 seconds left on the clock.
Despite the heartbreaking last-minute loss, the Lions certainly proved their worth. And you can expect the national media to take notice. This is a Detroit team worthy of playoff consideration. And they’ll certainly have opportunities to further prove that point in the coming weeks.
The disappointing loss drops the Lions to a record of 2-1-1, out of the top spot in the NFC North, and ironically into the basement of the division pending the outcome of the game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Chicago Bears. Now, Detroit enters their bye week. And it’s just what the doctor ordered.
The Lions entered Sunday’s matchup with the Chiefs without many of their key players including Pro Bowlers in cornerback Darius Slay and defensive tackle Mike Daniels. Slay suffered a hamstring injury during the team’s Week Three win over the Philadelphia Eagles. While Daniels is dealing with a foot injury that did not allow him to practice last week at all.
On Friday, quarterback Matthew Stafford was listed as questionable for the game against the Chiefs due to a hip injury. The 10-year veteran would go on to complete 21 of his 34 passes for 291 yards and three touchdowns against Kansas City despite his injury. The bye week will allow Stafford, Slay, and many other ailing Lions to get healthy and back on track for their Week Six Monday Night battle against their divisional rivals, the 3-1 Green Bay Packers, at Lambeau Field.