Week 17, 2019 Detroit Lions vs Green Bay Packers @ Home

2019.

The 3-12-1 Detroit Lions lose another close one to the division winning 13-3 Green Bay Packers 20-23. This game made it 14 out of 16 games that the Lions had a lead at some point in the game. Anyone who wants the Lions to draft offense in round 1 needs to re-evaluate the situation to be sure there isn't a difference maker in the 2020 draft that could help the Lions defense.

David Blough was 12 of 29 (41.38%) for a whole 122 yards and no TDs along with 1 interception. Yet that doesn't mean the Lions need a better backup QB, it means they need a better offensive line. But in order to obtain a better offensive line, you don't always need to draft OL in the first round. There are quality guards and even right tackles on day 2 and day 3 of the draft. The Lions also had 170 yards rushing with Kerryon Johnson the only RB to score a rushing TD. I think with better OL play and perhaps a new OL coach the Lions could have a pretty decent run game next year if all the RBs are signed for next year. That doesn't mean you can't draft another in the 2020 draft, it just isn't quite as big of an issue as it would otherwise be. The passing TD was thrown by WR Amendola, to Blough, who ran in untouched for the score in what was a lovely bit of trickery that didn't happen enough during 2019 if you ask me, even though earlier in the year there was a flea flicker that was a thing of beauty as well.

The Lions defense allowed Aaron Rodgers to go a very poor 27 of 55 (49.09%) for a very large number of yards (323 yards) and 2 TDs as well as one interception. The Lions defense also allowed 120 yards rushing without an scores. The Lions held the lead until the 4th quarter when the Packers finally tied up the game then with two possessions after the 2 minute warning, scored the game winning field goal as time expired. Once again, the Lions need a game changer on defense, actually, more then one. Luckily they'll have somewhere above $45 million in salary cap space to work with, though half that will be used to re-sign guys that would otherwise go in free agency... that is... if they evaluate them and decide they are all worth keeping and the player and his agent agrees with the offers. The normal off season kinds of stuff. Also normal is team firings on Monday after the final game of the season, which is Dec 30th (tomorrow) and I am still hopeful there will be an announcement from the Lions that they will be needing a new defensive coordinator.

So ends the 2019 season. The upcoming off season may include the Lions coaching in the senior-bowl, which could give them some much needed time with the draft prospects that are seniors this year. We also get to wait for all the juniors to declare that are leaving college early, and then there is the even longer wait for the combine towards the end of February. As Lions fans, we all know the drill. It's just a matter now of seeing if the Redskins can beat the Cowboys to determine the Lions draft position.