Down The Field: Week 12

By: The Polish Prince

This team, man. Did anyone actually doubt that they would win that game going into the 4th quarter? We have seen them be behind in the 4th quarter in every game this year and Stafford and Co. have continued to impress, now winning 6 of their last 7. I felt good about the Lions chances in that one and they never really wavered. I will say, I did not think they would win in regulation. Darius “Big Play” Slay made the play of the season thus far and put us in the driver’s seat of the NFC North.


The Good:

• Stafford: Game tying drive that started on the 2 yard-line. Same story line but a different script. Only stats you need to know. Does he disappear in the middle of the game? Sometimes. But without Stafford this team might not have a win and we’ve all seen that before. Also, he may be a Hall of Famer, so don’t be stupid and want a different QB. He’s the best the Lions have ever had.
• Darius Slay: The guy made the biggest play of the season thus far and is quiet for most of a game. No stats are the best stats for a CB because it means teams aren’t throwing at him. Early in the year it looks like we may have overpaid him, but it seems to be working out just fine.
• The Defense: I’ve called them “not good but clutch” damn near every week but I’m officially calling this defense good. That statement is comparative to the rest of the NFL. Is there really a great defensive team this year? Baltimore or Seattle, maybe? Facts are facts; this defense has held teams to less than 20 points for 5 straight weeks. Good.
• Prater: Not the hero we deserve, but the hero we want. Does the Lions franchise deserve a historically great kicker? No, we’ve had our fill (Murray and Hanson) but if you can't love a guy like Prater then quit liking this team.
• Miles Killebrew: Playing out of his mind on 3rd down right now. Need him to see the field more in nickel situations other than 3rd down. Guy just makes clutch tackle week after week.

The Bad

• Receivers: Still some drops and aren’t great at getting separation. I know that they have to get better at some point but what ever is going on in Detroit is working so what ever.
• Defensive Line: Weren’t awful. Tough to get pressure when the Vikings are electing to throw it short every time but still got gashed a few times in the run game.
• Run Game: What the hell? Can we get a consistent run game this year? I guess same logic goes for the receivers. What ever they are doing seems to be working.

The Ugly:

• The Refs: Can’t believe they called PI on that interception on the opening drive. But, who would have thought that it wasn’t the worst call of the weekend.

Yes, the Lions are in first place in the NFC North. Yes, they are a half game out of a first round bye. And, Yes, they are still the Lions. Nothing is a given but this years NFC North isn’t particularly strong so 9 wins may be enough to win the division and with Green Bay and Chicago both at home still on the schedule, 9 wins is plausible for Detroit. Its tough to find a win out of the remaining road games (New Orleans, Dallas, and Giants) but if the Lions can pull one out on the road they give themselves a very comfortable lead and I don’t see the Vikings winning out. It’s the closest Detroit has ever been to winning the NFC North and its up to Jim Caldwell to keep the troops focused.


P.S. There is literally nothing you can tell me that will change my belief that J.T. Barrett didn’t get to the 15-yard line. I’ve seen damn near every angle and he didn’t get it. Such bullshit. “Oh, but Dalton, Michigan could have won the game in regulation or couldn’t have as many turnovers and won.” Yea you’re right but the Wolverines forced a turnover on downs in Double OT and had it taken away from them by incompetent refs. They earned that win and there is nothing that will change my belief.


P.P.S. Obligatory “White Iverson” any time Double OT is mentioned: