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.