NFL First Quarter Report Card: Detroit Lions

To say the Detroit Lions would be one of the biggest disappointments through 4 games would be an understatement. Coming off consecutive losses to the 49ers, Titans and Vikings, there isn’t much going right for Detroit. If things don’t get better quickly, problems could arise in the Lions locker room.

Offensively the Lions have come nothing close to the success they had in 2011. Matthew Stafford hasn’t been nearly as accurate, and that is just when he has time to throw. The biggest surprise from this offense however may be the disappointing play of Calvin “Megatron” Johnson. While he is putting up some serious yardage, he has only found the end zone once in 4 games. Now some will say this could be the “Madden Curse” and while I am a believer, I don’t think that is the case. The problem has just been timing and not making adjustments.  Whether or not the Lions can make those changes remains the question.

While the offense has been a problem for the Lions, the biggest reason for their struggles has to be their special teams. I won’t even worry about their defense, because in their past 2 games, it has been their special teams that killed them. Consider in their past 2 games of the 64 points allowed, 35 of those points  have come from special teams and the opposing defense. Defense is not the issue for the Lions, special teams has been their kryptonite. Allowing a punt return and kick return TD’s in each of their last 2 games is simply unacceptable. If changes at the top or just in coverage teams aren’t made fast, the Lions could be dead fast.

Passing:

Matthew Stafford: 114 completions of 173 attempts for 1,182 yards// 3 TD’s 4 INT’s

Shaun Hill: 10 completions of 13 attempts for 172 yards// 2 TD’s 0 INT’s

Rushing:

Mikel Leshoure: 39 carries for 126 yards//1 TD

Kevin Smith: 29 carries for 115 yards//1 TD

Joique Bell: 13 carries for 40 yards//1 TD

Receiving:

Calvin Johnson: 29 receptions for 423 yards//1 TD

Brandon Pettigrew: 23 receptions for 223 yards//1 TD

Nate Burleson: 22 receptions for 200 yards//1 TD

Joique Bell: 12 receptions for 175 yards

Tackles:

DeAndre Levy: 31 tackles

Justin Durant: 29 tackles

Stephen Tulloch: 26 tackles

Sacks:

Ndamukong Suh: 2.5 sacks

Kyle Vanden Bosch: 2 sacks

Cliff Avril: 1.5 sacks

The Lions next 2 games could be the deciding factor in how they will finish out the season. Now at 1-3 they must head out on the road to take on the Philadelphia Eagles followed by the Chicago Bears. A win against either team would be considered a step in the right direction, but if this losing streak hits 5 you can kiss their playoff chances goodbye

Grade: D-