http://www.espn.com/blog/detroit-li...eads-to-more-questions-and-maybe-a-top-5-pick
Another Lions loss leads to more questions -- and maybe a top-5 pick.
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Matthew Stafford, with that 21-yard pass to Kenny Golladay, passed Dave Krieg for No. 22 on the NFL's all-time passing list. Krieg had 38,147 yards during his career.
Stafford had 38,161 yards after that drive. He could also move up another spot in Sunday's game against the Vikings depending on how many yards he throws for.
What had been a good first half for the Detroit Lions ended in football disaster as the Lions gave up a Hail Mary -- the second time that's happened in the building in recent years -- on almost a carbon copy play (Kirk Cousins' Hail Mary was shorter than Aaron Rodgers, though). And the defense on this Hail Mary was at least set up better than the Packers one in 2015. Beyond that, the Lions defense held up pretty well.
Offensively, Detroit remains a mess. Twice the Lions were in field goal range and ran their way out of it, forcing Sam Martin punts due to negative play-calls.
Also, it's baffling at this point why LeGarrette Blount is getting the carries he is. Zach Zenner has been a more productive back the past few weeks and again Sunday. Zenner is averaging 5.8 yards per carry and could have a role next season (he's a pending free agent). Blount is averaging 1.9 yards per carry and is also a free agent.
Some questions on how to defend the Hail Mary pass after Vikings QB Kirk Cousins connected with TE Kyle Rudolph at the end of the first half in Detroit.
I lean towards sending pressure in those situations, as it forces the QB to get rid of the ball quickly. However, if a defense wants to rush three and play coverage, here is a diagram of how to defend the pass. Jam and trail versus the receivers outside with defensive backs in a position down the field to challenge the ball.
https://primary-cdn-shortstop.espn.net/ef321d15-f813-4215-91e3-d527407238da.jpeg
Lions safety Quandre Diggs on the end-of-first-half Hail Mary the Vikings scored: "I don't care what the situation is. You can't give a Hail Mary up.
Taking the momentum into halftime, I think that just boosted their confidence that they can move the ball. We didn't do what we were supposed to do in that situation." What happened on the play? "I don't know. I'm on the other side.
So I'll see when I watch film. But, hey, man, you can't give up that momentum swing against a good team and a great defense like that."
The Lions will have double-digit losses for the first time since the 2012 season after a 27-9 loss to Minnesota on Sunday afternoon that was one of the team's worst outings of the year -- and that's saying something.
Detroit's offense was conservative throughout the game and some of the personnel usage was questionable at best, including the continued use of LeGarrette Blount over Zach Zenner.
The defense did well -- until giving up a Hail Mary at the end of the first half that essentially changed the game. That the Lions' home schedule ended as it did -- with a double-digit loss -- is fitting considering how it started, with a blowout loss to the Jets.
Boos rained down from the stands as the game went final, the last time the Lions fans will watch what has been a disappointing season at home until 2019.
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http://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401030877
Vikings beat Lions 27-9 to move step closer to playoffs.
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http://www.espn.com/nfl/boxscore?gameId=401030877
Boxscore.
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