This Bronco’s game demonstrated how to hamper the effects of a mobile QB. Let’s hope the Lions remember the tactics for the next three games, especially with Dallas’s D. Prescott

Not a lot of ‘flash or dash’ in this game. Only basic execution demonstrated by solid offensive blocking, crisp pass routes, defensive swarming and with only a few exceptions, crisp intelligent passing connecting to sticky hand receivers. Running back performance proved the old axiom that solid running opens up passing opportunities.

Having viewed earlier Viking’s games, the Lions should have success on mid field pass completions. If Viking’s linebackers compensate, D. Montgomery and J. Gibbs will extract more than a ‘pound of flesh’.

This season’s culmination is is the hands of the coaching staff. It’s their job to keep the team and its performance of this side of the ‘Looking Glass’.

Sundays Bear’s game should remove all doubt that this season is kaput. A cursory analysis of the remaining NFL North games can construct a scenario where the Lions assist the Vikings to a ‘backdoor’ entrance into the top of the NFL North winners status. Lions go 1-3 and the Vikings for 3-1.

Complexion of play in the NFL has moved on to a new paradigm. We’re in the era of very mobile, athletic and ‘smart’ QBs. In recent weeks athleticism of QB have made critical difference in outcomes.

These individuals are fast, strong and intelligent enough to ‘take a slide’ and avoid being obliterated by a humongous line backer or ordinary sprinting 300 lb lineman.

Our Lions have ‘budding’ potential standouts in key positions but stand at the precipice of age, talent and durability in several key areas. Adaptation of coaching is also in the ‘question’ column.

Year 66 of rebuilding was a pleasant interlude but work on year 67 of rebuilding requires more than incremental shuffling or rearranging of deck chairs.

One pertinent key indicator of a championship team is consistent performance. Four quarters of play executed with minimal errors and an absence of charity awarded to opponents is a winner’s standard. Sunday’s display was an antithesis by definition. How do you produce a ‘cliffhanger’ from what should be a ‘no mas’ ending? Play like the Detroit Lions before a national audience.

No sane fan expects four quarters of razzle dazzle but surely when reversion to ‘up the middle, up the middle, incomplete pass and punt becomes the ‘creme de la creme’ of coaching it is nauseous.

Yes, there were moments of self induced drama by passes almost caught, blocks missed and tackles blown offset by needle threaded passes, text book pass routes and QB pressure but these are not the hallmarks of a team destined to travel to the Super Bowel promise land.

The remaining Lion’s schedule will be a dichotomy of fulfillment or entree into year 67 of rebuilding.

In this case the game stats are deceiving. However, this game was ‘over’ at first half’s ending. Two unassailable facts were evident. Number one is that J. Love was so unmolested in pass attempts, Stevie Wonder could have found an open receiver. Secondly, Packers defense spent as much time in the Lion’s backfield as D. Montgomery.

Overall play calling hearkened back to the ‘good ole days’ of two up the middle, incomplete pass and punt. Setting aside proverbial 20/20 hindsight critique, the ‘fake punt’ call deep in your own territory was not warranted. Campbell’s retroactive acceptance for the blunder did not make it any less onerous.

Let’s us hope the ‘other’ Lion’s team makes timely appearances for the rest of the schedule or our 66th year of rebuilding will be indistinguishable from all previous iterations.

Lion’s fans were treated to a genuine flashback of a ‘come from behind win by J. Goff. Bears had this game won except for the remaining 4:15 of playing time. Taking points via a field goal was the ‘safe bet’. Bears had a running game and Lion’s offence was sputtering.

Hats off to Detroit’s defense and offence for waking up. Execution on both sides of the ball was textbook for the remaining minuets. Goff passes were caught and D. Montgomery had a tad more ‘tempo’ on running plays. Overall once Chicago was as they say, ‘put on their heals’, Lions maintained pressure and momentum.

No matter what the pundits conclude, a ‘plus’ still goes into the win column.

Delusions of grandeur were brought into clear focus at game’s end. It’s not easy for two teams to generate almost 1,000 yards of offence. Entertaining yes but not suitable for seasonal success. One can expect every team for the rest of the schedule to replicate the same passing attack as the Chargers implemented.

On the other side of the coin, Goff and his cadre of receiving targets are any opponents nightmare. Kudos to the offensive line allowing Goff time to execute and D. Montgomery appearing to back into full form. With Gibbs in tandem soft pass coverage will not end well.

In summary, giving up huge point numbers and staggering yards will not allow survivable post season progression.

This turned into a fan favourite game. Start the game getting field goals instead of touchdowns, inexplicable interception pass and jammed up the middle runs. On the other side of play, Lion’s defence had a very good day. Raiders could not score if the Lion’s had the ball almost twice as long. Aside the pick six and a Raider’s TD run, Detroit dominated across the board. Final score in no way reflected on entire tenor of game play.

Generating three times the offensive yardage, over two times as many 1st downs, two net positive on turnovers coupled with dominate possession time made the game a ‘blowout’ by any metric.

Savior the game’s memory as deserved after so many historical debacles. The ‘ghosts’ of seasons’ past smiled broadly for the way Detroit’s Honolulu Blues played in this game.

After about 5 minutes into the game, an ending was clear and inevitable. The Lions could not contain a running QB and Raven’s defence overwhelmed Lion’s offensive line. Coupled without any appreciable running game Goff suffered an interminable afternoon. Allowing the opponents over 500 yards of offence and time of possession will take its toll.

Baltimore Ravens had a near perfect game on both sides of the ball. Their execution made the Lions look totally unprepared and discombobulated. Every team has a ‘bad day’ no matter what the pundits proclaim. Put this game in the ‘lessons learned’ column and get on with the season.

No denying this game against Tampa’s bucs was J. Goff’s best performance as a Lion’s QB. He compensated for the loss of the Lion’s run game in superlative fashion. Passes were spread across receivers and throws were eloquently threaded between defenders. Receivers adjusted to variations in pass trajectory and maintained control for completions. Textbook execution.

Do not succumb to the fever. Repetitive expectations in upcoming games is just unrealistic. Revive your memories of opponent’s defensive schematics against the great B. Sanders. Stop Barry and you beat the Lions. Aside from the RB position, performance degrading injuries are spread through out the team. Ugly is still in the Lion’s repertoire within the remaining schedule.

Healing time and potential ‘hidden jewels’ amongst the practice squad can bolster a seasons optimistic outcome.

Classic way of ‘getting it done’. Stat’s differential are similar until you get to the ‘rushing’ and ‘turnover’ column. Built upon the back of Montgomery’s running, Goff distributed the passing game all around. He refrained from desperation tosses and took some classic hits from Panther’s defence. Good sign of toughness and game ‘smarts’. Lion’s offensive line created good pocket protection and created picture perfect running opportunities for D. Montgomery.

Overall Lion’s defence effort kept Panther’s offensive efforts from getting into ‘high gear’. Maybe ‘off balance’ is a more germane moniker.

Overall it looked like the entire Lion’s team was enjoying the fruits of effort throughout the game. Now comes the consistency part of the schedule. No time rest on your laurels. Been there and would rather not endure another replay.