Maybe the Detroit Lions didn’t win, but they did gain respect

The tale of the tape

Now let’s be clear here. That fumble return didn’t lose the game for Detroit. They had opportunities even after that to win the game, especially after Kenny Golladay‘s toe-tapping touchdown catch late gave the Lions the lead.

No, the tale of the tape is that Kansas City did what they had to in order to get the win, but it was the Lions who put themselves in a position to win it, giving themselves several opportunities to secure it, but didn’t capitalize on enough of those chances to actually get the win.

In short, the Lions deserved a better fate than what they got against the Chiefs, but even in defeat they did secure something this franchise has seldom had; respect.

They have also given themselves another opportunity beyond what they accomplished last Sunday. They have given themselves an opportunity to follow up a very good effort with another when they return from their bye next week and travel to Green Bay for Monday Night Football in a very important divisional matchup.

Because if an undermanned defense, especially in a secondary that saw players dropping like flies during the game against Kansas City, can still contain Patrick Mahomes and that explosive offense, then a healthier version has no excuse not to march into Green Bay and finish the task against the Packers.

The Detroit Lions have gained respect in defeat, but it is only through victory that they can now justify it. Playing well and beating the Packers would be a great next step. Then following that up with a win over Minnesota. Two accomplishments that seemed very difficult only a week ago, now seem very possible.

Matt Patricia’s second season is showing growth, by his team and himself. Two weeks ago an article in Philadelphia posed the idea that Patricia was the worst coach in the NFL, but if these Lions can find consistency and learn to close games out, they have every right to think of themselves as a playoff team, because they will be one.