Detroit Lions 2021 Midseason Report Card: Evaluating the 0-8 start
By Zach Payne
With an 0-8 record at their bye week, here’s the midsason report card for the Detroit Lions.
At an approximate halfway point in their season, the Detroit Lions have still yet to win a single game under head coach Dan Campbell. But there has been some progress made.
Detroit has been amongst the grittiest teams in the league, keeping many games close despite their relative lack of talent on both sides of the ball.
The lack of talent has become even more pronounced this season due to injuries, as the Lions have lost Frank Ragnow, Romeo Okwara and Quintez Cephus (most likely in Cephus’ case) are ut for the season.
Jeff Okudah was also lost for the season in Week 1, and rookie corner Ifeatu Melifonwu has not been seen since Week 2 against the Packers. Left tackle Taylor Decker has not played a single regular-season snap due to a finger injury, though he does appear close to playing. Despite all the injuries, and the list is not complete, the Lions have kept games close most weeks.
The closest the Lions came to getting a win was in Week 3, but Week 5 against the Vikings nearly was a win as well. In both games the Lions struggled offensively, but the defense kept them in it before a long game-winning field goal in each case.
At the bye week, with an 0-8 mark, questions about a winless season for the Lions have come.
But this is not about looking forward to games they might win, this is a recap of the season thus far.