The Detroit Lions and their fans put their faith in a 5-11 team on their third quarterback and got what they deserve. The Los Angeles Rams were a hapless team on the road, in a tough place to play, against a team that had everything to play for. And the expected outcome came true.

This is why you don’t put your playoff hopes in the hands of someone else. The Lions needed a victory out of the Rams and surprisingly (sarcasm) ole Baker Mayfield couldn’t deliver.

Don’t bitch about the refs or Baker or Matt Patricia or anything. The Lions put themselves here. And have no one to blame but themselves.

The Lions started the season 1-6. That actually happened. They went 7-2 the next nine games, and that’s admirable. Some positivity to take into next season. But there’s a reason team that start the year 0-2 or 1-3 much less 1-6 historically don’t make the postseason.

“Well, we almost beat the Eagles, and the Vikings, and the Seahawks, and the Dolphins.”

You know what a synonym for ‘almost beat’ is? Lost. You lost to all those teams. And at the end of the day, that’s all that matters.

This is what happens when your favorite football team is a historical loser. Fans spend too much time focusing on the almost and could’ve or should’ve.

I saw one Lions fan tweet that the Seahawks vs Rams game was more stressful than the Rams in the Super Bowl last year. Which is just so silly to me because of course it was. Today’s game directly impacted your team. Last year’s Super Bowl meant nothing to the Lions. It was just a weird way for Lions fans to feel part of the Super Bowl.

Future is Bright Though

Even though the Lions fought back and finished a game shy of the playoffs, there is a lot to be excited about.

Starting 1-6 and rallying back to be 8-8 is truly remarkable. That’s a lot of credit to Dan Campbell and his staff.

Jared Goff has played well enough this season to prove the Lions don’t need to use a high draft pick on a quarterback this season. They can instead use them, building on an ascending defense that still needs a lot of help.

And with the Rams losing, that helps your draft position. Sorry, too soon?

Aidan Hutchinson should be the defensive player of the year. James Houston has earned himself mentioning in that award as well. Even Jeff Okudah took a step in the right direction this year.

There are a lot of bright spots on this Lions roster heading into the off-season. Another good draft from Brad Holmes, maybe a nice free agent signing, and this team should compete for the division next year.

That’s the next step for this franchise. Don’t put yourself in a spot where someone else in a different game has to lose in order for you to reach your goals. Earn your way.