Detroit Lions Week 12 report card: Lions win streak snapped in Thanksgiving heartbreaker

The Detroit Lions fell short against the Buffalo Bills on Thanksgiving Day, and here’s our report card for their performance against one of the NFL’s best teams.

Unfortunately, the  Detroit Lions’ bid for a perfect November fell just short on Thanksgiving Day. While an upset was in play down to the final moments, the Buffalo Bills were able to come up with a game-winning drive in the final 25 seconds.

It was a heartbreaker for the Lions, made worse by the fact that Detroit had plenty of chances to win the game. Ultimately, though, this game showed the Lions belong and they’ve come a long way this season.

So let’s dive into this litmus test game for the Lions, and the Thanksgiving upset that almost came true.

Detroit Lions Week 12 Report Card: Upset bid falls just short

Rushing offense: 1/5 stars 

Buffalo’s interior defensive line was dominant, shutting down the Lions’ run game for the most part. Detroit kept trying to get the ground game going, but consistency was lacking. Detroit only averaged 3.4 yards per carry, but if you remove the long run of 27 that average drops to 2.5 yards a carry.

It was just not a productive day for Detroit’s ground game at all. The Bills clearly had a game plan to shut down the run, and they executed it very effectively with the Lions starting two backup guards.

Passing offense: 3/5 stars

Because of the inefficient run game, Detroit was forced to throw more. Typically when more is put on the shoulders of Jared Goff, the game doesn’t end well for Detroit. Surprisingly though, they were able stay afloat offensively.

But there were some issues with inconsistencies throughout the game, and key moments where better execution was needed. There has been a lot of debate on the 3rd-and-1 on the final drive, in which Goff missed an open DJ Chark downfield. Additionally, there was an awful safety in the third quarter.

Best offensive player: WR Amon-Ra St. Brown

It was another strong game for St. Brown, as he broight in nine of 10 targets for 122 yards and a touchdown. It felt like every single third-down pass went his way.

The Lions did a good job of spreading the defense out. As a result, St. Brown was able to take advantage of his matchups. He delivered multiple big-time plays when the Lions needed someone to step up.

Worst offensive player(s): OGs Dan Skipper and Kayode Awosika

With the injuries at guard, the Lions’ backups were forced into action. Unfortunately, they struggled mightily against the Bills front, primarily Ed Oliver. The safety, for example, was an instance of Skipper just getting completely run over.

It was a tough assignment for a pair of guards who aren’t among the top four options at the position. However, they couldn’t even provide replacement-level play against the Bills.

Run defense: 2/5 stars 

It’s been long established that mobile quarterbacks are an issue for the Lions’ defense. Josh Allen did exactly what everyone expected he would do with his legs. He was a monster on the ground, constantly picking up first downs and even rushing for a touchdown.

It wasn’t much better defending Devin Singletary. The Lions’ interior defensive linemen had a tough day and it resulted in the Bills picking up chunks of yardage on the ground.

Pass defense: 3/5 stars

For most of the game, Detroit actually did a good job defending the pass. Allen was under pressure a lot as the rotational pass rushers played well, which caused some issues for the Bills. Unfortunately, it fell apart a bit in the fourth quarter a bit as the Bills’s offense woke up.

Stefon Diggs went from having a quiet day to a monster one in the final quarter. He scored a touchdown to put the Bills up by a field goal late, then caught a dagger over the middle to set up the game-winning kick. Sometimes great players make great playss and the Lions couldn’t keep the dam from breaking.

Best defensive player: James Houston 

After being elevated from the practice squad on Wednesday, Houston made his NFL debut. Given a shot to make an impact, Houston stepped up in a major way.

The Jackson State product introduced himself to the league in his NFL debut, while also putting his name in Lions history.

Not a bad way to make an impression. With Julian Okwara going down in this game with an arm injury, Houston could be in line to stick to the active roster going forward.

Worst defensive player: CB Will Harris 

Harris had his share of struggles matched up against Isaiah McKenzie out of the slot. Harris gave up multiple big plays, including a touchdown.

Harris has been very hit-or-miss this season. He has had some good moments here and there, but far too often he has been on the wrong side of a big play.

Coaching Staff: 4/5 stars

There is certainly an argument to be had about the clock management on the Lions’ final offensive drive. Though, as proven by the Bills’ final drive, the rationale of trying to avoid giving Josh Allen the ball back was sound. Unfortunately, the execution fell apart on the final drive. You can hammer Ben Johnson for the play call on the aforementioned 3rd-and-1, but St. Brown was also open on a shallow crossing route that Goff missed.

Ultimately, the Lions generated a game plan good enough to win. For the vast majority of the game, they went toe-to-tie with a Super Bowl favorite. There are things to clean up, but this game showed how far this team has come in the past month.

Play of the game: DJ Chark’s touchdown catch

3rd-and-goal, and the Lions were down five. They needed to punch it into the end zone in the opening moments of the fourth quarter. Goff faked the handoff and settled in the pocket, being given all day to throw. Chark got jammed at the line, but was able to gain inside positioning. With his big-bodied target in a favorable position, Goff trusted his arm and fired a laser into a tight window.

That’s a big-time play for Chark as he continues to reintegrate himself into the offense. This is what Detroit needs more of, a bigger receiver who can make contested catches. We haven’t seen the deep-threat aspect of Chark’s game much this season, so he needs to be able to make plays like that.

Final thoughts

This was a measuring stick game for the Lions. To be able to go toe-to-toe with one of the league’s truly elite teams is something they can take pride in. However, you aren’t going to win a game against a team like the Bills with so many self-inflicted wounds. A fumble, a missed field goa and a safety made the difference in the game.

It’s a difficult loss to swallow, but it further reinforces how close this Lions team is. Now with a mini bye-week coming, Detroit has extra time to get some injured players back. Week 13 could see the season debuts of both Romeo Okwara and Jameson Williams. Meanwhile, players like Josh Paschal, Jeff Okudah and Jonah Jackson will also hopefully be able to get back on the field.

The Lions are likely not going to make a serious playoff push, but they will be an entertaining team to watch down the stretch.