Eight quarters. That’s how long it’s been since the Detroit Lions have actually scored a touchdown as they were shut out of the end zone once again this afternoon to the tune of 34-9 against the New England Patriots.
Not since the 29 second mark of the 4th quarter on November 9th against the Dolphins have the Lions scored a touchdown in a game instead relying on the leg of Matt Prater to score a combined 15 points in two weeks.
The good news? Field goal kicking is no longer an issue for the Lions. The bad news? you can’t win NFL games by field goals alone.
Matthew Stafford was a lethargic 18/46 for 264 yards and one interception marking a career low in completion percentage (39.1). The Patriots o-line got to him for two sacks this week which is an improvement (haha) over last weeks four given up to the Arizona Cardinals.
Meanwhile the Lions mustered just 91 yards on the ground (granted New England had 90) however the Pats managed 439 yards of total offense while the Lions finished with 335. Then there was the extremely questionable field goal decision by Jim Caldwell and company early in the 4th quarter which at the time still kept the Lions two scores behind which in essence is just an example that it was another bad week all around for Detroit, defense, offense and coaching.
On the flip side Tom Brady was Tom Brady as the former Michigan QB torched the Lions for 349 yards and 2 TDs while LeGarrette Blount (who was tossed aside by the Steelers) scored two TDs in his first game back with the Patriots.
Detroit now gets ready for a short week and the annual Thanksgiving game this Thursday against the Bears from Ford Field.