The Detroit Lions went into their road matchup at New England at 1-3 with a chance to save their season. They also had a chance to get revenge on former head coach Matt Patricia who was now a member of the New England Patriots coaching staff. However, the Lions suffered one of the most embarrassing and brutal losses in recent memory falling to the New England Patriots 29-0. This was a game that left more questions than answers.

Is Dan Campbell on the Hot Seat?

My short answer is yes he should be. Sunday’s shutout loss to the New England Patriots pushed his career record as Lions head coach to 4-17-1.

I don’t care that this roster is devoid of elite level talent at certain positions. Dan Campbell continues to make terrible decisions at critical points in games.

This is a recurring theme for Dan Campbell and reared its ugly head again in this game. Dan Campbell continues to go for it on 4th down excessively and during today’s game. The Lions went 0-6 in 4th down conversions. The worst of all was the 4th and 9 attempt. The Lions were trailing 6-0 with 3:26 left in the first half.

Detroit’s defense had actually played pretty well in holding the Patriots to 6 points. The Lions were facing a 4th and 9 from the Patriots 32 yard line. The logical call would be to attempt a 49 yard field goal which is a very makeable kick for an NFL kicker. The Lions instead attempted a very risky 4th and 9. What happened on that 4th down attempt was nothing short of a disaster. Patriot edge rusher Matthew Judon then sacked Jared Goff forcing a fumble which was returned for a Patriot touchdown.

Instead of trailing 6-3 and feeling good about their chances, they instead trailed 13-0 and were never really in the game at all after that. This was just another costly in game decision by Dan Campbell which completely changed the trajectory of the game for the Lions.

What happened to the Detroit Lions offense?

The thing that was so disappointing about this loss was that the offense did not manage a single point vs. the Patriots. The Detroit Lions offense came into the game averaging 35 points per game which was number one in the NFL. Jared Goff came into the game tied for the NFL lead in touchdown passes with 11. Jamaal Williams came into the game leading the NFL in rushing touchdowns. Yet, the Lions could not manage to score a single point vs. the Patriots. The offense that I thought I could count on was absolutely lifeless in New England and now I’m left scratching my head without any tangible reasons the Lions were shutout by the Patriots. I now have questions about Jared Goff, Ben Johnson, the skill position players, and even the offensive line.

Offenses that are truly elite do not put up goose eggs in games like the Lions did vs. the Patriots. 

My Thoughts

I don’t think I’ve ever been happier that next week is a bye week for the Detroit Lions. It’s one week where I don’t have to put up with the pain and depression of watching this team continuously disappointing me and finding ways to lose that defy explanation. Maybe I can enjoy some real NFL football for one weekend anyway.

Photo Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports