Detroit Lions Week 8 report card: Another winnable game goes in the loss column

Coaching Staff: 2/5 stars

It’s getting increasingly difficult to say something different every week. Detroit competed hard and had multiple chances to win the game, but ultimately fell short. The base script is becoming increasingly tired by the week.

To keep beating the dead horse, it’s yet another example of where the Lions have to grow. The lack of killer instinct in this young roster keeps rearing its ugly head. That ultimately falls on the coaching staff. For as much as Dan Campbell wants to talk about the steps the team has taken, at some point the talk doesn’t mean anything until it’s proven on the field.

Play of the game: T.J. Hockenson’s 58-yard reception

Hockenson had a big play catch-and-run for the second time this season. One of the biggest criticisms of Hockenson in his career has been how he seems to fall down after every catch. This play to set the Lions up for a score might be more proof that element is fading away.

Final thoughts:

With a 1-6 record, a lot of Lions fans are going to check out at this point. It’s hard to blame them, the team keeps sputtering when they have chances to win. It’s very easy to get frustrated with the lack of progress in the win column. At the end of the day, this team just needs to look better in December than it did in September. That being said, a win sure would be nice.

What better way to get back in the win column than to beat your biggest rival? Detroit will have that opportunity next week when the Green Bay Packers come to town.