The Detroit Lions once again found themselves undone by the same defensive issues that have haunted them all season. In a game where the margin for error was razor-thin, Detroit’s defense simply couldn’t hold up — especially after halftime — as Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams took full advantage.
Missed assignments, blown coverages, and a pass rush that disappeared after early flashes allowed the Rams to control the tempo and pile up 41 points. Stafford looked far too comfortable in the pocket, repeatedly finding open receivers while the Lions struggled to generate consistent pressure or force critical mistakes.
What made the loss sting even more was how familiar it all felt. This wasn’t a surprise collapse — it was a repeat performance. Detroit showed flashes of competitiveness early, but as the game wore on, defensive communication broke down and adjustments failed to materialize. When the Rams needed plays, they got them. When the Lions needed stops, they couldn’t deliver.
Dan Campbell has preached resilience and accountability, but with playoff hopes fading, the Lions are running out of time to fix problems that have lingered for weeks. The offense did enough to keep Detroit in the fight, but once again, the defense couldn’t close the door when it mattered most.
If the Lions are serious about making noise down the stretch — or even salvaging their postseason hopes — the defensive lapses can’t continue. Because against good teams, mistakes don’t just hurt. They decide games.
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