The Lions, by their current lowly standards, actually played reasonably well Monday night.
They led 17-14 at halftime. They should have covered the massive 12-point spread.
Ah, but that's the problem, isn't it? They were nonetheless carved up by Aaron Rodgers and Aaron Jones in a 35-17 loss at Green Bay.
Not every Lions' unit is a massive problem. The offensive line, running backs Jamaal Williams and D'Andre Swift and tight end T.J. Hockenson have been solid.
Quarterback Jared Goff has been as advertised. He isn't that bad, but not that good, either. He is the definition of average.
But it remains painfully obvious just how horrendous the Lions' secondary is at this point.
Bobby Price? Jerry Jacobs? Who are these guys?
The Lions' safeties both bend and break. Perhaps the Lions' defensive staff should dial-a-clue and not depend on linebacker Alex Anzalone in pass coverage. He had 10 tackles and is hard-nosed in the run game, which is appreciated. But come on, he is no better than Jarrad Davis or Jahlani Tavai in coverage.
Want answers to the Lions' current problems? Sorry, there aren't any. Quality player personnel simply isn't there, nor likely to be acquired at this stage. It doesn't matter how much the secondary coach raises his voice.
The Lions' offensive equivalent to their secondary are their wide receivers. The Lions don't have deep threats. None. Zero. Zilch.
The Lions' problems aren't a product of losing Matthew Stafford. Last season, they also played at Green Bay in Game 2. They similarly took an early lead. They lost 42-21. In that game, Stafford was 21-30 for 244 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. It was a pick six from the Lions' end zone.
Goff was 26-of-36 for 246 yards, two touchdowns and an interception Monday. The Lions were 0-2 with Stafford as their QB last year.
The Rams were 2-0 the previous three years with Goff as their QB.
It doesn't get easier. The Ravens, who visit Ford Field Sunday, just downed Kansas City. Quarterback Lamar Jackson appears back in MVP form. The Lions' only hope is that the Ravens are on such an emotional high after a thrilling victory, they let down.
Even then, it'd be a stretch to suggest the Lions are capable of taking advantage of the situation.
This is a bad football team that will likely get worse before it gets better.
