The Lions’ playoff dreams are just a memory after a 23-10 ugly loss at the Vikings on Christmas.
Detroit needed to win their two remaining games and have the Packers lose their final two. So much for that. The Lions were a turnover machine and yet even with 6 turnovers starting the fourth quarter they were just behind 13-7.
“Offensively I thought we played hard, but you turn the ball over that many times, that’s what got us,’’ coach Dan Campbell said.
Detroit, which has lost 4 of their last 5, dropped to 8-8 and sent the Packers to the playoffs.
It was so ugly for the Lions that the Vikings won by 13 points even though they had just 3 passing yards.
“We hate losing, they hate losing, we do. Look, some of these things that come up, the effort is there but we are not, we’re just a little off and it’s costing us significantly,’’ Campbell said. “There again, too many turnovers, just couldn’t overcome it.’’
Five of the reasons the Lions lost:
ONE: Turnovers. Four fumbles lost and two interceptions. The Vikings scored 13 points on the first four miscues. Detroit had zero turnovers in the last 4 games and just 8 on the season entering the game. Goff had gone 5 games without an interception. Also, he was sacked five times.
TWO: Again, Detroit could not establish the run. Not surprising, when you consider LT Taylor Decker was out with an illness and Kingsley Eguakun was in at center instead of veteran Graham Glasgow who was on the sideline in a reserve role. This has been a huge issue, it’s a point of emphasis, but whatever the gameplan was it didn’t work. Campbell stuck with it but it didn’t matter. The Lions finished with 68 rushing yards (2.3 yards per carry) while the Vikes had 138.
THREE: Detroit’s defense was playing lights out with seven sacks of Max Brosmer who passed for just 3 net yards. They also pressure the inexperienced quarterback but Minnesota’s run game kept their offense moving.
FOUR: Injuries. Campbell would never use injuries as an excuse but here we are. It matters and on Christmas the inexperienced offensive line just couldn’t keep up.
FIVE: Play calling at times baffling.
UP NEXT: Lions (8-8) at Chicago Bears (11-4), 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 4.
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