Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell told Lions fans to get comfortable being uncomfortable. Historically, Detroit Lions seasons are over come December. Fans often look towards the NFL Draft, debating the merits of each prospect and how they can help the team.
Not this year. Detroit is 9-4, closing in on a playoff spot and a first division title in three decades. However, the nerves are growing following Detroit’s 28-13 defeat to the Chicago Bears on Sunday. The Lions have not played a complete game in weeks, and the questions and concerns are swirling around Dan Campbell’s team.
But the sky is not falling. Thanks to the Green Bay Packers’ loss on Monday Night Football, Detroit’s formula is simple: win their next two games, and they will celebrate their first NFC North championship.
Relax, the Lions Can Still Play High Level Football
As much as the last two weeks have frustrated Lions fans, the team has displayed competent, potent football in fleeting moments. The Lions raced into a 21-0 first-quarter lead in New Orleans. The Lions looked sharp and decisive and played mistake-free football.
Frustratingly, Detroit played poorly for the rest of that game and narrowly escaped with the win. Against the Chicago Bears, Detroit played three error-riddled quarters. In the second, they outscored the Bears 13-0. Like the New Orleans game, the Lions eradicated the penalties, drops and miscues. The result was a clinical showing. Detroit dominated Chicago in that quarter.
The haphazard execution from coaches and players is what has hurt Detroit. Their inconsistency and mental lapses have been much more prevalent after the bye week.
Experienced players let the team down in Chicago. Taylor Decker, Jared Goff, Amon Ra St. Brown and Alex Anzalone all played poorly. Pro Football Focus graded Anzalone as the Lions’ worst defender on Sunday.
The veteran linebacker assured fans when speaking to the press on Tuesday. Anzalone said, “We’re going to be all right. We’re going to get this thing done right.”
Campbell put it more succinctly, saying, “All we have to do is get back to playing clean football. It really is as simple as that.”
The Lions have followed up their previous three losses this season with wins. They have not lost back-to-back in their last 23 games. The team has already displayed bounce-back ability this season.
Tuesday’s Practice Report
The Lions released their first practice report of the week, and there were four players listed:
- Taylor Decker, back, no practice
- Benito Jones, neck, limited practice
- Frank Ragnow, toe/back/knee, limited practice
- Hendon Hooker, knee, full practice