In what some were calling a “referendum game” for Dan Campbell and the Detroit Lions, the result was pretty clear.
The Lions stink again.
It was just a few weeks ago that many, myself included, though Detroit might be a playoff contender in 2022-23.
Playoffs? Playoffs? (I hope you read that in Jim Mora Sr.’s voice, as I intended).
Sunday’s Week 5 saw the Lions completely fail to show up in any capacity. They lost 29-0 to the New England Patriots, a rookie quarterback, and a defense that ranked in the bottom third of a league.
They couldn’t even bother to cover a 3.5-point spread for Michigan sports bettors.
Needless to say, Lions media and the fanbase had plenty of thoughts on Twitter over Sunday’s awful showing.
Pregame enthusiasm
You can’t blame Detroit Lions fans for not being all too confident in the team prior to kickoff. They’ve been hurt too many times before.
Plus, the Patriots came into the game wearing their throwbacks, which are among some of the best uniforms in the league.
Coming into a game where former coach Matt Patricia would be calling plays on the other sideline, this game felt a little more important for Campbell and company.
Twitter reacts to early Jared Goff interception
After coming up short on 4th and 1 on the opening possession (the beginning of a trend), the Lions were driving on their second time with the ball.
However, Jared Goff would throw an interception in the red zone on a great play from New England’s Jack Jones. The throw was into double coverage, but Jones made a great effort to stay inbounds with the ball.
It would be the tone setter of a long day.
4th-and-Ohhhh No
The early failure on 4th and 1 would be the first of many failed fourth downs for the Lions. Detroit managed to go 0-for-6 on 4th down on Sunday.
Fumble for a TD
There was perhaps no bigger play on the day than a 4th and 9 from the New England 32 in the second quarter.
Down just 6-0 at the time, Campbell elected to go for a first down instead of attempting a long field goal. The result was Goff losing the football and Kyle Dugger scooping it up for the Patriots and returning it 59 yards for a score.
I don’t even speak French, but when you see “catastrophe” in a Tweet, you know it can’t be good.
Why not kick?
The Lions have clearly had their issues with the kicking game already, but some fans pointed out why roster a kicker if you weren’t willing to use them?
The final five 4th down attempts all came when a FG attempt would have been 51 yards or shorter.
History-making futility
Detroit did etch its name into the history books for the wrong reason once again on Sunday. The 0-for-6 on fourth down has never happened in a single game.
Twitter reacts to Aidan Hutchinson’s struggles
No. 2 pick Aidan Hutchinson had another game without making much impact.
Since his 3-sack game in Week 2, Hutchinson has looked lost and is showing no signs of improvement in his pass rush.
Being such a high pick, people are taking notice.
Campbell losing the fanbase
Following Detroit’s appearance on HBO’s Hard Knocks, Dan Campbell became somewhat of a national darling.
He shot up Coach of the Year odds markets as people around the country wanted to believe in this guy’s message of “grit.”
Now, Campbell is being painted with a much different brush, one of a second-year coach already in over his head.
Campbell was trending on Twitter following the game, but as you might expect, it wasn’t for positive reasons.
Can’t lose next week
Good news for Dan Campbell is he can’t lose next week, as the Lions are on a bye.
Cue the “Bye favored by 3” jokes set to hit your timeline this week.
Awaiting the Lions in two weeks will be the Cowboys in Dallas on Oct. 23 at 1 p.m.
Dak Prescott could be making his return from injury for that one. Sounds like a recipe for more Twitter fun.
