Before playing Sunday at Minnesota, the Lions appeared to be on a resurgence; winning three of their previous four games. With a chance to go over .500 for the first time since starting the season 1-0, the Vikings thwarted Detroit's attempt, topping the Lions 34-24.As usual, the Lions were trailing going into the 4th quarter, 20-10. Also as usual, the Lions scored multiple touchdowns in the 4th quarter. The unusual thing was that in most of the Lions comeback wins, their defense stepped up and kept opposing offenses off the scoreboard. Allowing our offense to cut the deficit.
The Viking offense apparently didn't get that memo. They scored 18-points in the final quarter, stifling any comeback attempt by the Lions. One of the big blows coming with eight minutes left on a 61-yard Peterson touchdown run (see video below at 1:43). Peterson finished the day with 171-yards rushing and one touchdown.
The loss came regardless of Stafford and Johnson having arguably their best games of the season. Stafford threw for 329 yards and three touchdowns, and Johnson caught 12 passes for 207 yards and a score.
If the Lions can't win when their big-guns bring their 'A' game, then they are definitely in trouble for their remaining seven-game schedule. With a combined opponent winning percentage of .714, this is likely the most daunting stretch of games in all of the NFL. Match-ups include Houston (8-1), Atlanta (8-1), Chicago (7-2), and twice against Green Bay (6-3).
With the inconsistent play of the Lions, you can definitely field an argument that this team could potentially go win-less to close out the season. My bold prediction is exactly that; a 4-12 finish for Detroit. But only time will truly tell.
However, one thing that remains consistent with this team are the crippling 4th quarter deficits that they find themselves in almost weekly.
Someone needs to tell them that the game start at 1:00 PM, not 3:30 PM.
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