The Detroit Lions are reeling from their first defeat in three months, a 48-42 loss to the Buffalo Bills that ended their franchise-record 11-game winning streak.
“This is not the time to freak out or panic and act like things are worse than they are,” Lions head coach Dan Campbell said Monday. However, he expressed dissatisfaction with the way his team lost, noting, “Losing is one thing, but how we lost leaves a bad taste in your mouth.”
The Lions (12-2) not only suffered a setback on the scoreboard but also faced significant injuries in the game. Running back David Montgomery, defensive tackle Alim McNeill, cornerback Carlton Davis, and special teams standout Khalil Dorsey are all now on the injured list. Campbell confirmed that both Montgomery and McNeill will require season-ending knee surgeries after their injuries during the game, while Dorsey underwent surgery Sunday night for a broken leg. Davis is out indefinitely due to a jaw injury.
Despite the challenges, the Lions remain focused on their goal of defending their NFC North title and securing the top seed in the conference playoffs. They will face the Chicago Bears on Sunday. Quarterback Jared Goff, who matched his career high with five touchdown passes and threw for 494 yards against Buffalo, expressed confidence. “I’m sure there will be a ton of stuff written about the sky falling, but internally, we’re good,” Goff said. “We would’ve loved to win every game up to the Super Bowl. I hope we can look back on this one as a good learning lesson and use what we learned to help us win these next three before the playoffs.”
Looking ahead, the Lions will play at San Francisco next week before closing the season at home against their division rivals, the Minnesota Vikings, with the potential for the division title on the line.
What’s Working:
The Lions continue to excel offensively, scoring over 40 points for the fifth time this season, matching the franchise record set by the 1952 team.
What Needs Improvement:
Campbell pointed out the lack of urgency during a crucial 16-play, 70-yard drive that ended in a touchdown but fell short of completing a comeback. “No excuse for that,” he said. “That’ll be something we discuss.”
Player Updates:
Stock Up: Tim Patrick has emerged as a reliable No. 3 receiver, recording 31 receptions for 379 yards and three touchdowns in the last two games after missing the previous two seasons due to injury.
Stock Down: Frank Ragnow, the three-time Pro Bowl center, struggled against Buffalo, receiving two holding penalties and contributing to an offensive line that allowed Goff to be sacked three times.
Injuries:
The loss of Montgomery, McNeill, and Dorsey could have significant repercussions for the team. “Nobody cares,” Campbell said. “Nobody is going to give us a pass or put an asterisk next to your record.”
Key Number:
When McNeill is placed on injured reserve, he will become the eighth Lions defensive lineman to be sidelined this season.
Next Steps:
Campbell plans to conduct rigorous practices this week to assess which players can step up in the absence of injured teammates, particularly McNeill and Davis.
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