The good, the bad, and the ugly.
The good: the Lions win game #5 on the year against the Miami Dolphins; their 3rd in a row and their 2nd road game in a row.
The bad: Due to injuries there were many guys on the Lions defense playing that normally wouldn't be playing who were getting abused regularly by the Dolphins.
The ugly: Some how, some way, the Lions made the Dolphins team look ugly by timely interceptions at the end of the 4th quarter by Levy and Vasher (yes, Nathan Vasher).
There were many other plays that were either good, or bad, or ugly. Many by the same players at different points in the game. Pettigrew had quite of few of each, as did Vasher actually. Hill at quarterback, another Hill in the secondary, and various other players all contributed to make it harder then it had to be, and also to seal the win when needed.
The team continues to play hard, fight harder, and now all that work is turning into wins. They are getting better as the year progressed, pretty much as I figured they would (you'd have to scroll way down to pre pre-season blog posts though to see that though). No, I didn't predict all the injuries, or the losses early for that matter. They won't hit my 7 wins in 2010 prediction. But they are a young team learning and that bodes very well for the future.
Next week's final game should be the final game of Bret Favre's career, assuming he actually retires and stays retired. If he can play at all you know he will. I hope to see a great battle for the final game of the season... followed up by the NFL and NFLPA agreeing to a new CBA before the Superbowl. But I digress.
There was good in the Lions - Dolphins game, there was bad, and yes there was ugly, but it was also a win. When it comes right down to it, that's what matters in the NFL, and that's what the Lions got.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Game 14 - 2010 @ Tampa Bay
The End
The Lions win this one 23-20 in overtime. Yes, I said win. So ends the 26 game road losing streak, the new NFL record road game losing streak. But that wasn't the only thing to end. The Lions also won 2 games in a row, ending that streak (of having not done so in years) as well.
It was Rayner, not Hanson (who is on injured reserve), who first tied the game in the final seconds of regulation and then it was Rayner again with the game winning field goal in overtime. I wonder if the Lions will carry two kickers on their roster next year.
Stanton made himself look good by completing passes to super talent such as Calvin Johnson and Brandon Pettigrew. Maurice Morris ran hard and piled on the yards. The defense is getting needed play time in with their depth and the defensive line is continuing to play hard and fast, a good view of what the future has in store for the players, coaches and fans. Sure the defense needs some more talent at some starting positions, that's where the 2011 draft comes into play, but it's good to see the coaches making use of the players they have now.
It was also nice to see some decent officiating for the 2nd game in a row. Hopefully that (the bad officiating) has ended as well.
Lions play in Florida next week against Miami then they come home for their final game of the season. Final game of Bret Favre's career as well (a truly momentous occasion)! It sure would be nice to see the Lions end Favre's career by ending another bad streak, divisional games (they haven't won one of those in years either).
So keep it up Lions... you're fighting hard, learning on the job, playing to win, and this Lions fan doesn't want to see that end.
The Lions win this one 23-20 in overtime. Yes, I said win. So ends the 26 game road losing streak, the new NFL record road game losing streak. But that wasn't the only thing to end. The Lions also won 2 games in a row, ending that streak (of having not done so in years) as well.
It was Rayner, not Hanson (who is on injured reserve), who first tied the game in the final seconds of regulation and then it was Rayner again with the game winning field goal in overtime. I wonder if the Lions will carry two kickers on their roster next year.
Stanton made himself look good by completing passes to super talent such as Calvin Johnson and Brandon Pettigrew. Maurice Morris ran hard and piled on the yards. The defense is getting needed play time in with their depth and the defensive line is continuing to play hard and fast, a good view of what the future has in store for the players, coaches and fans. Sure the defense needs some more talent at some starting positions, that's where the 2011 draft comes into play, but it's good to see the coaches making use of the players they have now.
It was also nice to see some decent officiating for the 2nd game in a row. Hopefully that (the bad officiating) has ended as well.
Lions play in Florida next week against Miami then they come home for their final game of the season. Final game of Bret Favre's career as well (a truly momentous occasion)! It sure would be nice to see the Lions end Favre's career by ending another bad streak, divisional games (they haven't won one of those in years either).
So keep it up Lions... you're fighting hard, learning on the job, playing to win, and this Lions fan doesn't want to see that end.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Game 13 - Green Bay Packers @ Home
Surprise!
The Lions win their 3rd game of the season 7-3 against the powerful Green Bay Packers. Of course, Packer fans are complaining that their starting quarterback was injured during the game and their 2nd string QB just couldn't get the job done... never mind that the Lions started their game with their 3rd string QB and without many other starters as well (I believe they have 14 players total on IR now). What did suck was that Rodgers is my starting QB in several FFL contests and now I may be out of the playoffs, but I'm not complaining.
It was a pretty ugly game, both defenses (yes, the Lions defense too) played hard and well. Surprising many football fans, national media types, and the Packers themselves. Actually, since the Lions offense was supposed to be the strength of the team this year, it probably surprised a large number of Lions fans too. Despite the fact that the Lions defense has been playing fairly well lately.
You have to give some credit to the offense though... there were a lot of run plays in this game that kept the Packers offense sitting down. I would suggest the Lions get on with signing long term some of those that helped, like Logan for example.
I was surprised the officiating was fairly competent and fair this game. I know I shouldn't be that way, but some of the games this year have jaded me in that regard.
There were a LOT of things that could have gone better. On offense, on Defense, on Special Teams. What surprises many though is that the Lions have not started to just mail it in. They aren't making it to post-season this year so the tendency for a player to not give it his all has to be overcome. It was hinted at in a previous game that this happened, and I'm not saying it was so then, but if there was any minds starting to wonder the coaching staff has corrected it completely. This was a very hard fought game, right up to the end.
Now if the Lions can remember just exactly how hard you have to play to win in this league then good things can start to happen. I think it's starting to sink in... and I think many will be surprised at how well the Lions do in the future.
The Lions win their 3rd game of the season 7-3 against the powerful Green Bay Packers. Of course, Packer fans are complaining that their starting quarterback was injured during the game and their 2nd string QB just couldn't get the job done... never mind that the Lions started their game with their 3rd string QB and without many other starters as well (I believe they have 14 players total on IR now). What did suck was that Rodgers is my starting QB in several FFL contests and now I may be out of the playoffs, but I'm not complaining.
It was a pretty ugly game, both defenses (yes, the Lions defense too) played hard and well. Surprising many football fans, national media types, and the Packers themselves. Actually, since the Lions offense was supposed to be the strength of the team this year, it probably surprised a large number of Lions fans too. Despite the fact that the Lions defense has been playing fairly well lately.
You have to give some credit to the offense though... there were a lot of run plays in this game that kept the Packers offense sitting down. I would suggest the Lions get on with signing long term some of those that helped, like Logan for example.
I was surprised the officiating was fairly competent and fair this game. I know I shouldn't be that way, but some of the games this year have jaded me in that regard.
There were a LOT of things that could have gone better. On offense, on Defense, on Special Teams. What surprises many though is that the Lions have not started to just mail it in. They aren't making it to post-season this year so the tendency for a player to not give it his all has to be overcome. It was hinted at in a previous game that this happened, and I'm not saying it was so then, but if there was any minds starting to wonder the coaching staff has corrected it completely. This was a very hard fought game, right up to the end.
Now if the Lions can remember just exactly how hard you have to play to win in this league then good things can start to happen. I think it's starting to sink in... and I think many will be surprised at how well the Lions do in the future.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Game 12 - Chicago Bears @ Home
What starts well, ends well.
It does if your a Bears fan anyway. From the first play of the game when Rob Sims gets penalized for a false start to watching the Bears kneel down 3 times after the 2 minute warning for the win, Bears fans had a better day then Lions fans.
There were some good things, like Stantons play (for the most part), Avril's sacks (3 of them but none late when needed the most), Burleson did some good and bad (more good then bad). As did Pettigrew (who could've had a great game with a few less drops). There were even a few GREAT plays...
53 seconds to go in 2nd quarter, down 10-14, the Lions run a play with Best who bounces it outside then they follow it with a great catch and run by Calvin Johnson to score a TD in 2 plays (91 yards). After halftime, 50 seconds in, Avril forces a fumble and it's recovered by the Lions at the Chicago 9 yard line, but the Bears hold and the Lions are forced to kick a field goal. That would be the last points they score in the game. That would also be the end of the GREAT plays.
There wasn't much but defense the rest of the 3rd quarter from both teams (not counting the Bears' kicker getting his career record longest field goal of 54 yards). Then with 12 minutes to go in the game Stanton tries to complete a pass to a well covered receiver on 4th and 1, turning the ball over on downs. The Bears then drive down the field to the 22 yard line... on 1st and 10 Cutler rolls out and runs 7 yards, tackled by Suh, who was penalized for tackling the runner (Cutler). They called it unnecessary roughness, but it was only a push from a strong man. In other words, the Refs helped the Bears advance the ball and more importantly got the Lions players (and fans) thinking the refs were going to once again hand the game over. Next play Cutler throws a TD pass to the 3rd string TE. The Lions failed to make any more decent plays on O or D from there on. Finally, at the 2 minute warning, the Bears complete a pass to the 3rd string TE again... for a first down... the Lions with no time outs left and face the loss standing up for the final 3 plays.
Lions lose the game 20-24.
Some questions arise from the game. Why is the officiating so horrid this year? Can it be fixed? Where are the big plays by the Lions late in the game when needed the most? Can THAT be fixed? Where are the wins? Will that be fixed? Will the players union quit trying to drum up support from politicians, chambers of commerce, fans and anyone else and start negotiating? but I digress...
What starts well ends well. Unfortunately, this season for Lions fans did not start well, and it's not looking like it's going to end well either.
It does if your a Bears fan anyway. From the first play of the game when Rob Sims gets penalized for a false start to watching the Bears kneel down 3 times after the 2 minute warning for the win, Bears fans had a better day then Lions fans.
There were some good things, like Stantons play (for the most part), Avril's sacks (3 of them but none late when needed the most), Burleson did some good and bad (more good then bad). As did Pettigrew (who could've had a great game with a few less drops). There were even a few GREAT plays...
53 seconds to go in 2nd quarter, down 10-14, the Lions run a play with Best who bounces it outside then they follow it with a great catch and run by Calvin Johnson to score a TD in 2 plays (91 yards). After halftime, 50 seconds in, Avril forces a fumble and it's recovered by the Lions at the Chicago 9 yard line, but the Bears hold and the Lions are forced to kick a field goal. That would be the last points they score in the game. That would also be the end of the GREAT plays.
There wasn't much but defense the rest of the 3rd quarter from both teams (not counting the Bears' kicker getting his career record longest field goal of 54 yards). Then with 12 minutes to go in the game Stanton tries to complete a pass to a well covered receiver on 4th and 1, turning the ball over on downs. The Bears then drive down the field to the 22 yard line... on 1st and 10 Cutler rolls out and runs 7 yards, tackled by Suh, who was penalized for tackling the runner (Cutler). They called it unnecessary roughness, but it was only a push from a strong man. In other words, the Refs helped the Bears advance the ball and more importantly got the Lions players (and fans) thinking the refs were going to once again hand the game over. Next play Cutler throws a TD pass to the 3rd string TE. The Lions failed to make any more decent plays on O or D from there on. Finally, at the 2 minute warning, the Bears complete a pass to the 3rd string TE again... for a first down... the Lions with no time outs left and face the loss standing up for the final 3 plays.
Lions lose the game 20-24.
Some questions arise from the game. Why is the officiating so horrid this year? Can it be fixed? Where are the big plays by the Lions late in the game when needed the most? Can THAT be fixed? Where are the wins? Will that be fixed? Will the players union quit trying to drum up support from politicians, chambers of commerce, fans and anyone else and start negotiating? but I digress...
What starts well ends well. Unfortunately, this season for Lions fans did not start well, and it's not looking like it's going to end well either.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Game 11 - New Orleans @ Home Thanksgiving Day
I'm full.
The Lions though ran out of gas about two thirds of the way into the 3rd quarter. They fought and fought and kept the score close and in fact led for a decent amount of time. Then the Patriots who have a solidly built team decided the Lions defense wasn't as good as they appeared and starting scoring... to the tune of 4 touchdowns in a row to finish the game 24 to 45.
The complete box score / stats can be found at http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2010112500/2010/REG12/patriots@lions#tab:analyze
The patched together Lions offense did okay until the chips were down, they simply can't keep their composure and play a full 60 minutes of exerting their will on an opponent. The closer to the end of the game it gets, the more tense they play, and the more errors are made. That said, 24 points isn't bad for an offense in the NFL, if your defense can stop the opponent from scoring.
The Lions defense wore down shortly after half time and before long there was little pressure at all on Tom Brady. Tom Brady without pressure is a sure fire way to lose a football game. The Lions defense was running on empty by the end of the game.
Were they running on empty because they were down on the offense for not scoring more? For the officiating? For the mistakes each player continually made... compounding the negative? I'm not sure. Were the coaches unable to settle the players down and get them to re-focus? Or, would it not matter who the coaching staff was there would be no re-focusing them? Was it lack of depth to keep fresh minds and bodies in the game? Lack of talent? Lack of preparation? All the above? None of the above? Everyone is going to have their opinion on what it was... for myself, I think it was a tablespoon of this and a teaspoon of that. The simple recipe of a half rebuilt Lions team playing against a fully built Patriots team on a national stage when the one team hasn't learned how to handle a lead, or a win, was a recipe for disaster and almost everyone knew that in August, let alone in November.
Until the team starts having fun playing, until they quit tensing up, until their confidence is built, things are going to remain ugly. Problem is, it takes wins to do that, and it takes that to win.
The Lions have a couple extra days to heal up before they start preparing for the Bears at home... if ever there was a time to go full throttle for a full hour this next game would be it, it's not going to get any easier the rest of the year.
The Lions though ran out of gas about two thirds of the way into the 3rd quarter. They fought and fought and kept the score close and in fact led for a decent amount of time. Then the Patriots who have a solidly built team decided the Lions defense wasn't as good as they appeared and starting scoring... to the tune of 4 touchdowns in a row to finish the game 24 to 45.
The complete box score / stats can be found at http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2010112500/2010/REG12/patriots@lions#tab:analyze
The patched together Lions offense did okay until the chips were down, they simply can't keep their composure and play a full 60 minutes of exerting their will on an opponent. The closer to the end of the game it gets, the more tense they play, and the more errors are made. That said, 24 points isn't bad for an offense in the NFL, if your defense can stop the opponent from scoring.
The Lions defense wore down shortly after half time and before long there was little pressure at all on Tom Brady. Tom Brady without pressure is a sure fire way to lose a football game. The Lions defense was running on empty by the end of the game.
Were they running on empty because they were down on the offense for not scoring more? For the officiating? For the mistakes each player continually made... compounding the negative? I'm not sure. Were the coaches unable to settle the players down and get them to re-focus? Or, would it not matter who the coaching staff was there would be no re-focusing them? Was it lack of depth to keep fresh minds and bodies in the game? Lack of talent? Lack of preparation? All the above? None of the above? Everyone is going to have their opinion on what it was... for myself, I think it was a tablespoon of this and a teaspoon of that. The simple recipe of a half rebuilt Lions team playing against a fully built Patriots team on a national stage when the one team hasn't learned how to handle a lead, or a win, was a recipe for disaster and almost everyone knew that in August, let alone in November.
Until the team starts having fun playing, until they quit tensing up, until their confidence is built, things are going to remain ugly. Problem is, it takes wins to do that, and it takes that to win.
The Lions have a couple extra days to heal up before they start preparing for the Bears at home... if ever there was a time to go full throttle for a full hour this next game would be it, it's not going to get any easier the rest of the year.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Game 10 - 2010 @ Dallas Cowboys
Continuing on.
The Lions continue losing by going 19 - 35 this week, giving the Dallas Cowboys their 3rd win of the season and 2nd win in 2 games to their replacement coach.
The Lions also continue their NFL record road losing streak bringing it to 26 in a row that began in 2007 when Jon Kitna was their quarterback.
At 2-8 for the season the Lions are now likely out of the playoff race... continuing that new tradition of being out before Thanksgiving Day.
Lions fans continue looking for silver linings but I may have to get back to you on that one, as I have so far failed to find even one in this game.
If you look at the stats http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2010112105/2010/REG11/lions@cowboys#tab:analyze/analyze-channels:cat-post-boxscore there is nothing that immediately stands out as bad... I mean sure the Lions continue to not stop the run while at the same time continue to not run very well... and of course the Lions continue to get double digit penalties... but all in all, nothing appears completely out of whack except for the fact the Lions didn't score a single point in the 4th quarter.
So what happened? Well, the officiating. It continues to SUCK!
There was a nice play by Burleson that was called back due to a real penalty which set a bad mood by some players, yet the team continued to play. Then a break down in a punt return play allowed a TD. The team still continued to fight. Then there was a tackle, by the hair, that was called by the officiating crew as a horse collar penalty. It was a totally legal tackle. It was also the straw that popped the balloon, letting all the air out of the team. The coach was irate... the players all got upset... and instead of playing loose and having fun, to a man the team played tight and upset. That bogus call completely changed the game from that point on. One big play might have switched the mood back, but there was none. The Lions may have lost anyway despite the call, but we will never know that either.
Many will say that until the Lions quit causing penalties they'll continue to get bad calls such as that one. I suppose that is true. I suppose the team needs to learn not only how to win, how to close out a game in the 4th quarter, but also how to get over bad officiating. I suppose I should not continue to harp on that sort of thing. Guess what... that's not going to happen. I'm afraid I'll have to continue to point out what I see as the turning point in a game... and I will continue to be upset if that turning point is not a play by either team but a call by an official.
So here we are, about to watch the Lions play a great team on Thanksgiving day, the only Nationally televised game the Lions have this year. The only thing we can be certain of is that some idiots will continue to bring up how the Lions should not be allowed to continue that tradition. They don't seem to have any problem with other new traditions continuing on, but the longest standing one should be thrown away. So before all that happens, I will say it once again, the Lions should CONTINUE playing their traditional Thanksgiving Day game and there is no valid reason to break with that tradition. If you don't want to watch it, don't. Do shut up about it though. Removing the game from Thanksgiving Day does not punish the current team, only the future teams that would otherwise play that day, probably long after you are dead and gone.
Coaches and Front Office... continue on tweaking the roster.
Players... continue on playing, you all must have some pride and drive to win, try to ignore the officiating, have some fun while you can.
Lions Fans... continue on planning your draft parties.
NFL and NFLPA... START negotiating a new CBA. Everyone wants to CONTINUE watching football, regardless of all the rest of it.
You all have your instructions... now continue on.
The Lions continue losing by going 19 - 35 this week, giving the Dallas Cowboys their 3rd win of the season and 2nd win in 2 games to their replacement coach.
The Lions also continue their NFL record road losing streak bringing it to 26 in a row that began in 2007 when Jon Kitna was their quarterback.
At 2-8 for the season the Lions are now likely out of the playoff race... continuing that new tradition of being out before Thanksgiving Day.
Lions fans continue looking for silver linings but I may have to get back to you on that one, as I have so far failed to find even one in this game.
If you look at the stats http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2010112105/2010/REG11/lions@cowboys#tab:analyze/analyze-channels:cat-post-boxscore there is nothing that immediately stands out as bad... I mean sure the Lions continue to not stop the run while at the same time continue to not run very well... and of course the Lions continue to get double digit penalties... but all in all, nothing appears completely out of whack except for the fact the Lions didn't score a single point in the 4th quarter.
So what happened? Well, the officiating. It continues to SUCK!
There was a nice play by Burleson that was called back due to a real penalty which set a bad mood by some players, yet the team continued to play. Then a break down in a punt return play allowed a TD. The team still continued to fight. Then there was a tackle, by the hair, that was called by the officiating crew as a horse collar penalty. It was a totally legal tackle. It was also the straw that popped the balloon, letting all the air out of the team. The coach was irate... the players all got upset... and instead of playing loose and having fun, to a man the team played tight and upset. That bogus call completely changed the game from that point on. One big play might have switched the mood back, but there was none. The Lions may have lost anyway despite the call, but we will never know that either.
Many will say that until the Lions quit causing penalties they'll continue to get bad calls such as that one. I suppose that is true. I suppose the team needs to learn not only how to win, how to close out a game in the 4th quarter, but also how to get over bad officiating. I suppose I should not continue to harp on that sort of thing. Guess what... that's not going to happen. I'm afraid I'll have to continue to point out what I see as the turning point in a game... and I will continue to be upset if that turning point is not a play by either team but a call by an official.
So here we are, about to watch the Lions play a great team on Thanksgiving day, the only Nationally televised game the Lions have this year. The only thing we can be certain of is that some idiots will continue to bring up how the Lions should not be allowed to continue that tradition. They don't seem to have any problem with other new traditions continuing on, but the longest standing one should be thrown away. So before all that happens, I will say it once again, the Lions should CONTINUE playing their traditional Thanksgiving Day game and there is no valid reason to break with that tradition. If you don't want to watch it, don't. Do shut up about it though. Removing the game from Thanksgiving Day does not punish the current team, only the future teams that would otherwise play that day, probably long after you are dead and gone.
Coaches and Front Office... continue on tweaking the roster.
Players... continue on playing, you all must have some pride and drive to win, try to ignore the officiating, have some fun while you can.
Lions Fans... continue on planning your draft parties.
NFL and NFLPA... START negotiating a new CBA. Everyone wants to CONTINUE watching football, regardless of all the rest of it.
You all have your instructions... now continue on.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Game 9 - 2010 @ Buffalo Bills
Getting Colder.
Yep, it's mid-November and it's definitely getting colder outside. The Lions are also getting colder... as in far far away from where they thought they would be, where they expected to be, and from where I thought they were. Lions break their own record by losing their 25th road game in a row. They also allowed the Bills to get their first win of the year. And it was raining. All game pretty much. The team looked and played cold, slow, and not too good ball.
If one was to look at the box score one would see the Lions losing 12-14 and that the new kicker missed a field goal. The temptation might be to point and say "that was why". One would be wrong.
The Bills are one of the worst teams in the league defending the run... so far at least, that could change (they pretty much had the hardest schedule in the league). Yet the Lions managed only 2 first downs by running (and 16 passing). I think it's safe to say the Lions run game has been bad all year not just because they played tough run defenses... but because the Lions are not good at run blocking. Their fastest RB (Jahvid Best) also appears to have an aversion to grass fields. He looks horribly slow when he's on an outdoor field (at least he has been every time he's played on one so far). This might have been a good game to play Smith more, but that did not happen (6 for Smith, 17 for Best). At 76 rushing yards for the Lions and 151 rushing yards for the Bills it's readily apparent who is the better team at run blocking and run stopping... and it's not the Lions.
The Lions "one-armed" Quarterback (Shaun Hill played the game with his non-throwing arm in a light cast having broke it 4 weeks ago and with a titanium plate and 6 screws inserted) got 314 passing yards versus the Bills anemic 139. This too is a complete flip, the Lions defense is known for it's poor secondary and linebackers... why only 139 passing yards by the Bills? First, the Lions are getting a bit better at defending the pass, but the real reason in this game is that the Bills did not need to pass to win. They did just enough to get the job done and the Lions couldn't really stop them. Didn't really appear they wanted to actually. The body language for many of the players was that they were cold and miserable and they played exactly that way, cold and it was indeed miserable.
The rest of the box score (stats) can be found here if you are interested http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2010111406/2010/REG10/lions@bills/analyze/box-score
The only thing that you need to know though is that the turnovers were equal to 1 apiece but the Lions had 11 penalties to the Bills 4. The sloppier team lost.
There were few big plays to add to highlight reels but quite a number of potential winter coat endorsements could be forth coming. Then again, I think most companies want winners for their endorsements, so perhaps there won't be any offers for that either. I guess the Lions will need to figure out how to get warmer before the next 11 days are over, as they have two games to play in that time frame, one being their only nationally televised game of the year. If they do not, it'll only keep getting colder and colder, on the field, in the stands, and from the fans.
It's well past time for the Lions coaches and players to get themselves focused and to get the fans something to feel all warm and fuzzy about. I don't need or want a new winter coat to beat the cold, I just need my team to not play cold.
Yep, it's mid-November and it's definitely getting colder outside. The Lions are also getting colder... as in far far away from where they thought they would be, where they expected to be, and from where I thought they were. Lions break their own record by losing their 25th road game in a row. They also allowed the Bills to get their first win of the year. And it was raining. All game pretty much. The team looked and played cold, slow, and not too good ball.
If one was to look at the box score one would see the Lions losing 12-14 and that the new kicker missed a field goal. The temptation might be to point and say "that was why". One would be wrong.
The Bills are one of the worst teams in the league defending the run... so far at least, that could change (they pretty much had the hardest schedule in the league). Yet the Lions managed only 2 first downs by running (and 16 passing). I think it's safe to say the Lions run game has been bad all year not just because they played tough run defenses... but because the Lions are not good at run blocking. Their fastest RB (Jahvid Best) also appears to have an aversion to grass fields. He looks horribly slow when he's on an outdoor field (at least he has been every time he's played on one so far). This might have been a good game to play Smith more, but that did not happen (6 for Smith, 17 for Best). At 76 rushing yards for the Lions and 151 rushing yards for the Bills it's readily apparent who is the better team at run blocking and run stopping... and it's not the Lions.
The Lions "one-armed" Quarterback (Shaun Hill played the game with his non-throwing arm in a light cast having broke it 4 weeks ago and with a titanium plate and 6 screws inserted) got 314 passing yards versus the Bills anemic 139. This too is a complete flip, the Lions defense is known for it's poor secondary and linebackers... why only 139 passing yards by the Bills? First, the Lions are getting a bit better at defending the pass, but the real reason in this game is that the Bills did not need to pass to win. They did just enough to get the job done and the Lions couldn't really stop them. Didn't really appear they wanted to actually. The body language for many of the players was that they were cold and miserable and they played exactly that way, cold and it was indeed miserable.
The rest of the box score (stats) can be found here if you are interested http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2010111406/2010/REG10/lions@bills/analyze/box-score
The only thing that you need to know though is that the turnovers were equal to 1 apiece but the Lions had 11 penalties to the Bills 4. The sloppier team lost.
There were few big plays to add to highlight reels but quite a number of potential winter coat endorsements could be forth coming. Then again, I think most companies want winners for their endorsements, so perhaps there won't be any offers for that either. I guess the Lions will need to figure out how to get warmer before the next 11 days are over, as they have two games to play in that time frame, one being their only nationally televised game of the year. If they do not, it'll only keep getting colder and colder, on the field, in the stands, and from the fans.
It's well past time for the Lions coaches and players to get themselves focused and to get the fans something to feel all warm and fuzzy about. I don't need or want a new winter coat to beat the cold, I just need my team to not play cold.
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