Detroit Lions Week 16 Report Card: Last minute INT seals loss of winnable game

Coaching Staff-4/5 Stars

Once again, Aaron Glenn made a very good game plan and his defense did a good job overall. The blitzes that Glenn dials up continue to generate pressure and disrupt opposing passers.

The offense struggled to finish drives, but overall the play calling was pretty good again. The council of offensive coaches who put togeteher the game plan have been able to create good matchups.

The end of the game deserves some criticism though. With just over two minutes to go, in the red zone and down 20-13, Detroit elected to kick a field goal instead of going for it on 4th-and-6. Taking a field goal there meant the Lions still needed to score a touchdown to win, to say nothing of needing the ball back.

The decision was a bit puzzling, even considering that Detroit was using a backup quarterback and had struggled in the red zone all game.

Luckily, Glenn’s defense provided another shot to win the game. Unfortunately, that drive ended in the previously mentioned Boyle interception.

The coaching staff was pretty good in this game, but that moment toward the end is one that many have fairly criticized.

Final Thoughts

If you are a fan that is cheering for the Lions to get as high a draft pick as possible, you were pretty happy today.

For many, securing a top draft pick is all that matters these final few weeks. However, the improvements this team has shown over the course of the season cannot be overstated.

Everyone knew the Lions would be bad this year. The biggest indicator of success for Dan Campbell and his staff would be how much better the team looked in December compared to the start of the season. The team has passed that test with flying colors.

Over the next few weeks fans shouldn’t stress too much about draft position, just kick back and enjoy the final two games of Lions football there will be until next preseason.