After the Detroit Lions latest loss the sky isn’t falling, yet …
By Robert Jones
The Lions need to flip the script
The good news is that the Lions are not mathematically eliminated from postseason contention and the schedule is still in their favor. That means whether we do or don’t believe in general manager Bob Quinn, head coach Matt Patricia or this roster, they still have an opportunity to fulfill their mandate to ‘play meaningful games in December’ and make a run at the playoffs.
The Colts were lumped into what is about as favorable a stretch of schedule as any team could ask for, but that was never going to be an easy game. The difference between the Colts and Lions was made very evident. Especially when Detroit plays undisciplined and makes key mistakes.
But now it’s time to forget about what happened last Sunday and focus on the Minnesota Vikings.
They were regarded as the most balanced team in the division heading into the season when you consider offense, defense, and coaching. However, that hasn’t been the case.
To their credit, the Vikings played well last week in Green Bay to pay back their egregious loss to the Packers in the season opener, but they are still only 2-5 and haven’t looked that good overall.
Yet no matter how you slice it, this game will be a big one for the Lions. They are already 0-2 in the division and while another loss still wouldn’t end their season, it would put them in a very big hole to climb out of.
The Indianapolis Colts dominated the trenches last week and for the Lions to get back on the winning side of the ledger, they will need to flip the script in Minnesota.
The win in Jacksonville was highlighted by the Lions offensive and defensive front dominating the line of scrimmage. This allowed them to run the ball and pass at will while stymying the Jaguar ground game and putting consistent pressure on Gardner Minshew.
The effort wasn’t quite the same in Atlanta, but overall the Lions did well enough in the trenches to give themselves an opportunity to win. Now they need to do the same in Minnesota. Especially if Matthew Stafford misses the game due to Covid.