Detroit Lions: 10 observations from the Vikings loss

2. Cook’s brilliance doesn’t fully explain the horrendous run defense from Detroit.

Cook is on some type of streak right now, but his unheralded backup, Alexander Mattison, also went for 69 yards at six yards a pop. Remember also that Jordan Wilkins of the Colts had a career day against this same defense just a week ago.

After a few games where it seemed like maybe they were figuring some things out in this phase, the Lions are right back to statistically being one of the league’s worst at defending the run. I imagine that Washington’s Antonio Gibson is paying attention and will make sure to get his DVR ready before heading to work next Sunday.

3. The Lions had 10 men on the field for Dalvin Cook’s 70 yard touchdown.

How ridiculous is that? Not as crazy as you might think. After all, they did it twice in the Indianapolis game. Besides, watching the play in real time, I could have sworn it was closer to six or seven guys chasing Cook to the end zone instead of the ten they had.

The ‘rocket scientist who can only count to ten’ jokes pretty much write themselves here, but after watching a steady two and a half years of this type of thing from Matt Patricia and company, there’s nothing to laugh off anymore.