Detroit Lions Week 7 report card: Offensive regression overshadows defensive progression

Coaching Staff: 4/5 stars

Coming out of the bye week objective number one was fixing the defense. Early returns were optimistic, though obviously a larger sample size is needed to properly evaluate that side of the ball.

Offensively there are some glaring concerns though. As mentioned earlier the worst version of Goff is the one the Lions have gotten over the last few weeks. Goff is to blame obviously, as is team health, but Ben Johnson also needs to do more to help him out. Some of the Lions’ best plays were from creative scheming, the offense might need more of that. Ultimately though most of the offensive ineptitude is a lack of execution, not poor play design.

Lastly, a number of people were complaining that Dan Campbell did not challenge the spot on Brock Wright’s catch that brought the Lions down to the one-yard line. Upon further review Wright was absolutely down short of the end zone, and that criticism needs to be laid to rest.

Play of the game: Aidan Hutchinson’s third quarter sack

The Cowboys’ offense at this point was picking up steam. Detroit had already given up a touchdown in the quarter, and Dallas was moving the ball effectively again. The Lions needed someone to step up and stop the bleeding. On a third-and-two play, the second-overall pick got to Prescott for the second time.

Just an absolutely perfect spin move, on a play that perhaps solidified Hutchinson should be given more opportunity to stand up on the edge. 

Final thoughts:

Honestly, there isn’t a whole lot else to say. The defense made strides, and the offense regressed. If the Lions don’t shoot themselves in the foot repeatedly, this game ends with a much closer score.

Now we have to wait and see if the defense can continue to progress and if the offense can return to form against a Miami defense that has been bad this year in Week 8.