Game 2, 2018, Detroit Lions @ San Francisco 49ers

Slightly better.

The now 0-2 Detroit Lions lost to the 1-1 San Francisco 49ers 27-30 proving that they were slightly better prepared to play a football game but still are not completely ready. Winning in the NFL takes a true team effort. One that the Lions are not yet ready to yield as of yet.

Matthew Stafford was 34 of 53 (64.15%) for 347 yards 3 touchdowns and no interceptions. A marked improvement from last week. Yet the Lions defense gave up 18 completions on 26 attempts (69.23%) for 206 yards and 2 touchdowns and no interceptions. The defense also gave up 190 yards rushing to the Lions offense of 98 yards rushing (8 yards from Stafford).

Every aspect of the offense, and the defense, suggests they were slightly better. Even special teams, slightly better.

There is nothing that I can type or report that can denote a marked improvement, nor is there anything that I can point to that can mark a material difference... yet at the same time... there is no one factor that shows a regression or a worse factor then what happened last week.

No, the Lions improved, but at the same time, they were only slightly better.

At this rate, they might win against head coaches previous team (the Patriots) next week, but I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you. In fact, until week 5 I wouldn't place any bets on the Lions as they are only now into week 3 of preseason, despite it being week 2 of the regular season.

So no, in my opinion, the Lions have improved, yet they are only slightly better then last week, and no where's near as good as they should be at this point in the year.