There’s no need for the Detroit Lions to panic just yet. With an 8–3 record, the Lions still maintain a grip on the NFC North. However, after a closely contested game against the Chicago Bears and a subsequent Thanksgiving Day loss, this time to the Green Bay Packers, there is a justified cause for concern.
This sentiment is shared by NFL journalists across the country.
Heading into their matchup against the Packers last Thursday, the Lions were considered as high as the second-best team in NFL power rankings. A significant factor contributing to this perception is their high-powered offense under the guidance of Ben Johnson, the running back duo of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, and last but not least, the quarterback play of Jared Goff, despite the turnovers.
However, having conceded over 100 points in their last three games, writers are now bearish on the Lions due to the regression of their defense. While some journalists still consider the Lions a top-five team in the league, the majority have downgraded them, with some placing them on the cusp of falling out of the top 10.
Even Jared Goff’s most ardent fans get nervous this time of year, and Goff wasn’t great Thursday against the Packers. Still, in an off game, he produced 332 yards, two touchdowns and a 103.6 passer rating. The Lions play the Saints, Bears, Broncos and Vikings (twice) down the stretch. If Detroit can get home-field advantage, it can make a run with this offense, which ranks second in the league in yardage (405.5).”
