Detroit Lions go the distance with the Chiefs, but bow out in the final round

But still, the Lions looked like they could be really good

This is going to fade away sooner than it should because they ultimately lost the game, but the final Stafford touchdown drive has to be right up there with the best 4th quarter magic of his career.

Nine plays, 79 yards, 4-4 passing, the touchdown to Golladay, where he incessantly held his arms up in the air for a solid two minutes while waiting for the replay to be confirmed.

I wanted to scream, “what the hell are you doing man, you’re injured!” as he bowled into a Chiefs linebacker at the start of the drive, but it was gutty and awesome all the same.

It’s not just Stafford either. Take away the 14-point fumble and Kerryon Johnson had the game of his career.

Give him back that 3rd touchdown and Kenny Golladay did have the game of his career. If the defense can keep punching out fumbles like Joe Louis (the boxer, not the arena), eventually there won’t be an all-galaxy quarterback specimen like Mahomes to save the day.

No. 15 may have sent the Lions to the canvass in the 15th round the other day, but let’s not forget, the NFL season is 16 rounds. We have a long way to go, but for one afternoon at least, the Lions did look all the part of a true contender.