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The bigger picture view of the Lions loss to the Bears
Much of the discussion in the aftermath of the Lions’ loss to the Bears Sunday has been focused on the call on Calvin Johnson’s apparent touchdown pass that was ruled incomplete. And justifiably so.
But what about the bigger picture? Just how well did the Lions play?
Some parts, obviously, weren’t good.
The Lions were outgained by a large margin by the Bears. They hardly moved the ball in the second half until the final, fateful drive.
Calvin Johnson was terrible. He didn’t pick up the team at all. Falling down. Dropped passes. Brandon Pettigrew also dropped a key pass. Offensive tackle Jeff Backus got his doors blown off by Julius Peppers on the pass rush. The offensive line was allegedly solidified, but played a poor game.
Jahvid Best didn’t have much impact. He had 20 yards on 14 carries. Can we please stop comparing him to Barry Sanders,l he at least until Best does something in the league?
Shaun Hill is an experienced backup with a 10-6 record as an NFL starter and career QB rating over 87. The Lions shouldn’t drop off that much with him under center. But Hill didn’t have much of a chance because of the dropped passes Sunday.
I thought the Lions defense played well, but was it because they were so effective or the Bears just that inept? And there is no excuse of Matt Forte scoring on a 89-yard screen pass. None.
What I liked best is that the Lions hung in there rather than hanging their collective head. Body language has long been an issue with the Lions. At the first sign of adversity, you can just see how they’ve already been beaten. Guess that was the best part about Sunday’s game. They fought through it better.
Random Thoughts
- There was a time when there would little question whether Eagles quarterback Kevin Kolb would play Sunday against the Lions, but it’s very up-in-the-air because the NFL has become much precautionary when it comes to concussions. That will probably mean the Lions will see a lot of Michael Vick Sunday in their home opener at Ford Field.
Vick had 103 yards rushing and QB rating over 100 after replacing Kolb in Sunday’s loss to Green Bay. I would think the Lions would prefer Kolb.
- What’s wrong with Greg Kampe, the Oakland University basketball coach? Why can’t he schedule Duke?
Otherwise, his Golden Grizzlies are playing pretty much of a who’s who of big-time college basketball this season - Michigan State at The Palace, and at Ohio State, Tennessee, Purdue, Illinois and Michigan.and Ohio, the latter the defending Mid-American champs and winners of an NCAA tournament game over Georgetown in March.
But what about the bigger picture? Just how well did the Lions play?
Some parts, obviously, weren’t good.
The Lions were outgained by a large margin by the Bears. They hardly moved the ball in the second half until the final, fateful drive.
Calvin Johnson was terrible. He didn’t pick up the team at all. Falling down. Dropped passes. Brandon Pettigrew also dropped a key pass. Offensive tackle Jeff Backus got his doors blown off by Julius Peppers on the pass rush. The offensive line was allegedly solidified, but played a poor game.
Jahvid Best didn’t have much impact. He had 20 yards on 14 carries. Can we please stop comparing him to Barry Sanders,l he at least until Best does something in the league?
Shaun Hill is an experienced backup with a 10-6 record as an NFL starter and career QB rating over 87. The Lions shouldn’t drop off that much with him under center. But Hill didn’t have much of a chance because of the dropped passes Sunday.
I thought the Lions defense played well, but was it because they were so effective or the Bears just that inept? And there is no excuse of Matt Forte scoring on a 89-yard screen pass. None.
What I liked best is that the Lions hung in there rather than hanging their collective head. Body language has long been an issue with the Lions. At the first sign of adversity, you can just see how they’ve already been beaten. Guess that was the best part about Sunday’s game. They fought through it better.
Random Thoughts
- There was a time when there would little question whether Eagles quarterback Kevin Kolb would play Sunday against the Lions, but it’s very up-in-the-air because the NFL has become much precautionary when it comes to concussions. That will probably mean the Lions will see a lot of Michael Vick Sunday in their home opener at Ford Field.
Vick had 103 yards rushing and QB rating over 100 after replacing Kolb in Sunday’s loss to Green Bay. I would think the Lions would prefer Kolb.
- What’s wrong with Greg Kampe, the Oakland University basketball coach? Why can’t he schedule Duke?
Otherwise, his Golden Grizzlies are playing pretty much of a who’s who of big-time college basketball this season - Michigan State at The Palace, and at Ohio State, Tennessee, Purdue, Illinois and Michigan.and Ohio, the latter the defending Mid-American champs and winners of an NCAA tournament game over Georgetown in March.
Labels: Calvin Johnson Jahvid Best Michael Vick Kevin Kolb Greg Kampe Jeff Backus
posted by Pat Caputo at
2:20 PM
8 Comments:
It will be very interesting to see if the the Lions will continue to play as hard as they did in Chicago, or will losing Stafford, and being victimized bad rule, demoralize them as a team. Dave
Pat, the Lions got beat more than what the score indicates. The Defensive Line I thought play well and Peterson, Delmas and Houston made some good plays. But, the Bears did throw for 362 yards. I am more disappointed in the O-Line. They should have thrown the ball to Johnson more times than they did.
Pat, The Bears are not very good. Cutler and Martz are extremely overrated they will cost Lovie Smith his job by season's end.
As for the Lions I thought they were the better team Sunday, the second half offensive meltdown doomed them. Also the Lions have probably the worst set of linebackers in the NFL, the rest of the defense is ok. You will see more plays like Forte's because their linebacking unit is subpar.
Alan
Dave,
Hear that's the reason Schwartz didn't criticize league over this - doesn't want his team leaning on excuses.
Caputo
Barry,
The Lions were clearly outplayed, agreed. But Calvin Johnson didn't make the most of his opportunities - falling down and dropping passes.
Caputo
Alan,
The Bears were lucky Sunday because they made so many mistakes, but I think, top-to-bottom, they still have more good players than the Lions.
Caputo
I think the thing people haven't been talking about is the Bears Defense. Here is a healthy Chicago front 7 that at it's core was responsible for getting the Bears to the Super Bowl a few seasons ago. The Lions Offensive line was impressive to hang in there with Urlacher who was obviously reved up. I think the Lions will be able to move the ball much better against a weaker than in recent years Eagles D. Oh by the way, if the Lions D keeps hitting how they were in Chicago, Vick will probably stay in the pocket more than he would like.
Dave,
You're right about the Bears defense. The front seven did take over the game. They were the biggest factor, although the Lions defensive line played well, too.
Caputo
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