Nation’s response to Detroit’s defeat by Chicago following the disaster: The Lions Do Not Appear Like Super Bowl Champions.
“Three of Detroit’s last four games ended with a deficit at the half. Even though the Lions led 13-10 at the half, they were unable to overcome it this time. Detroit would have had its first 10-win campaign since 2014 with a victory. Rather, the defeat was yet another indication that the Lions’ path to a division championship won’t be simple if they don’t arrive prepared.”
“Detroit had a slow start, but they picked up steam in the second quarter and led 13–10 at the half. The Lions went into hibernation after that. On its first three drives of the second half, Detroit went three and out, mishandled a snap, turned the ball over twice on downs, and threw a pick. With less than nine minutes left in the game, the Lions were able to earn their first first down of the second half. Jared Goff was largely ineffective while playing on the road, missing a lot of passes and throwing two interceptions. Goff was unable to break through the Bears secondary because the big plays on the ground were stymied in the second half. He was outplayed by his opponent, finishing 20 of 35 passing for 161 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions. When the offense performs as well as it did at Soldier Field, Detroit cannot win. With four games remaining, the loss moves Detroit to 9-4, giving the Packers and Vikings life in the division.”
“The Lions’ performance in that game was appalling. Against the Bears, their potent offense crumbled, turning the ball over three times and twice more on downs. The Lions finished the game with just 13 points, scoring zero in the second half and exhibiting no offensive rhythm or flow. A beleaguered and inexperienced defense found it difficult to overcome mistakes and was not always able to leave the field when it was necessary. However, the Lions are in serious trouble if this is the offense we can expect from Detroit.
December football from the Lions is not at its best. For now, that much is evident. They have dropped two of their last three games, and if not for a stunning comeback against these same Bears last month, it would have been three of four. This afternoon, they weren’t as fortunate. This is not a good enough effort. Apparently not for the regular season, not for the playoffs.”
“The Lions are not a team that will go far in the postseason; they will most likely make the playoffs. They’ve been a little down since their Week 9 bye.
The Lions defense has gotten worse over the last month, giving sub-.500 teams opportunities to pull off upsets or keep games close. Detroit’s last three games have seen them lose 28-13 to the Chicago Bears, nearly blow a 21-point first-quarter lead against the New Orleans Saints, and lose 29-22 at home to the Green Bay Packers.
With two games remaining against the Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos, and Dallas Cowboys, the Lions (9-4) aren’t even guaranteed to win the NFC North.”
“The Lions were dominated by the Bears for three quarters for the second time in three weeks, but there was no incredible fourth-quarter comeback this time. The Lions’ inability to get out of their own way during the third quarter caused the game to collapse. They only gained 21 yards in the quarter, and to make matters worse, Jared Goff fumbled a snap that put the ball on Detroit’s 29-yard line, giving Chicago possession of the ball. Five plays later, the Bears finally scored, and it was all but over. The defense is starting to lose some bite, and Goff’s turnovers are starting to become an issue. The Lions defense has allowed at least 330 yards of offense for the fifth straight game. Now that they have dropped their last two games, this team no longer appears to be a serious Super Bowl contender.”
