Give the Lions’ credit: No matter how many times they have fumbled, stumbled and crumbled their way into lore as not-so-lovable losers, they still find unique ways to present so-called “classic” moments.
Welcome Ryan Santoso into the Lions’ ring of foibles. Your 48-yard attempt to win the game in overtime was unbelievably feeble. By the way, if Santoso had converted an extra point attempt, the Lions would have won in regulation time.
Well, at least the Lions won’t lose every game. Would 0-16-1 qualify the Lions as technically the worst team in NFL history? You be the judge, if it comes to that.
It was a fitting conclusion. The Steelers were brutal. It opened the door wide open for the Lions.
Of course, they only ran halfway through it. The only solace is at least the Lions didn’t get smashed in the face this time.
For the first time since early in the season, we saw what the Lions want to, and possibility can accomplish, in the future.
They ran the ball exceptionally effectively. It was a good game plan by offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn. He dialed up a number of delay running plays that took advantage of the Steelers’ propensity to over pursue. It was good to see left tackle Taylor Decker back in the lineup, and Penei Sewell’s run blocking, after moving back to the right side, seemed excellent based on live glance.
Backs D’Andre Swift, Godwin Igwebuike and Jermar Jefferson ran hard and smartly.
What didn’t work was the Lions’ passing game. It appeared quarterback Jared Goff was injured early in the game, and therefore not able to throw the ball down the field. Ah, not that he normally does anyway.
And as good as the Lions’ run blocking was, their pass protection was just as poor. Factor plenty of rain into the equation, and the Lions presented about as poor a passing attack as you will ever see in an NFL game.
The Lions’ defense benefited greatly from the absence of Steelers’ quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. His backup, Mason Rudolph does have experience, but he was nonetheless scatter-armed.
The Lions forced a couple fumbles late in the game, and you can give the Lions’ an “A” for effort.
But the harsh reality is the Steelers did everything they can to lose this game.
Yet, the Lions could only tie it.
So is the glass half-empty or half-full? Neither.
Just empty.
There is no such thing as moral tie, especially this one.