It’s last call for the Detroit Lions. While their playoff chances are already slim, if they lose their Christmas Day matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, it will officially be over. In order to make the postseason, the Lions need ot beat the Vikings this week, beat the Chicago Bears next week, and have the Green Bay Packers drop both of their final two games (vs. Ravens on Saturday, at Vikings next week).
The Lions are in a bit of a rut, dropping two straight games for the first time in three years. In the last 11 games, they’ve gone just 5-6, spoiling a promising 4-1 start to the season.
Unfortunately, the problems cannot be localized to one thing or even one side of the ball. The defense certainly has deserved much of the recent blame for poor play, but Detroit’s run game has also taken a big step back, due to some uneven play on the offensive line and some questionable play calling.
Both the Lions and the Vikings are going into this game a little beat up on a short week. Detroit will be missing yet another safety (Avonte Maddox) and another offensive lineman (Taylor Decker, illness). The Vikings are missing their top two quarterbacks, both starting offensive tackles, their starting center, their top tight end, one of their top-two running backs, and their starting safety. Not exactly getting your money’s worth, Netflix.
Anyways, if you are watching the game and don’t want to discuss it with your family or loved ones, this post will serve as a place for Lions discussion during the first half of Lions vs. Vikings. At halftime, make sure you head back to the front page to look for the second half discussion post.
Merry Christmas, and go Lions!
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