Detroit Lions: 10 observations from the Vikings loss

9. This one felt like a tipping point.

As I said last week, the Lions have alternated between hope and despair several times already this season. Bouncing back when all seems lost and then nosediving when it looks like they’ve found something, this trip to 3-5 has been maddening, eventful, predictable, and yet surprising all the same (rinse, wash, repeat). However, I’ll say that Sunday’s loss felt like a tipping point.

I don’t know how else to describe it or how it’s that much different from the other four losses, but I know I felt it. The Lions now play three in a row against teams with worse records than themselves. It’s worth noting that they have come back from 0-2 and 1-3 with some nice wins.

However, the manner in which they were absolutely pummeled (again) by the 2-5 Vikings makes me think this season is yet again in danger of flying off the rails, and I’m not sure they can hold it together this time around.

If they come out flat against Washington next week, this could easily slide into a 4-12 disaster and another top five pick (and they’re not going to have a chance at Trevor Lawrence, so don’t even think about talking tank). I hope I’m wrong, but I’ve been hoping wrong for the last 27 years of my life when it comes to the Lions.

10. Finding some positives.

It’s like that perfect drive on the 18th hole when you’re shooting 40 over par, but I have to at least come away with a few positives from Sunday:

The punt block team. What in the world is going on with them? That makes three in the last two games for Austin Bryant, Romeo Okwara and company, almost unbelievable with how rare punt blocks are in the NFL. It’s too bad to have wasted them on two blowout losses.

D’Andre Swift. If he gets enough touches, he makes things happen. Swift had 64 yards on 13 carries and another 33 on three catches. He finds ways to get in the end zone in short yardage situations, and should have gotten the ball at the goal line instead of Peterson.

Marvin Jones. Jones only made three catches, but reached the end zone for the second week in a row, breaking a few tackles after the catch for a tough touchdown near the end of the first half.

Desmond Trufant. Seeing his first action in about a month, Trufant was one of few bright spots on defense. His best play was a blind side blitz on Kirk Cousins, laying a big hit for the Lions’ only sack of the day.

The Upcoming Schedule: Washington (2-6), Carolina (3-6), Houston (2-6).