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The Detroit Lions suffered their fourth loss in five games on Monday night when a late touchdown averted a shutout loss to the Chicago Bears. The Lions couldn't avoid the loss however as the fell to 2-4 on the season, mired in last place in the competitive NFC North.
As Sean Yuille points out at Pride of Detroit, the Lions should be pleased with their play on the defensive side of the ball. For the first time this season, the Detroit D held an opponent under 20 points which normally would be a key to winning with the offensive weapons on the other side of the ball.
But quarterback Matthew Stafford and star wide receiver Calvin Johnson struggled to make the plays that were there against Chicago's stingy defense which left the Bears in control of the game.
The defense actually played quite well. There were a few disappointing plays, but take away the muffed punt that led to a field goal and the defense only really gave up 10 points. The defense did more than enough to put the Lions in position to win, especially when you consider how much talent this team has on offense. The fact that the Lions couldn't manage anything more than a late touchdown when the game was basically already out of reach is just pathetic. The offense hasn't scored a touchdown in the first half since Week 1, and as much as we've complained about play calling, this was on the players. Key drops or overthrows on third down and turnovers at the worst possible time doomed the Lions, and to say the offense is a mess would be an understatement.
The win put the Bears (5-1) in control of the NFC North while leaving the Lions searching for answers as they prepare to host the Seattle Seahawks at Ford Field on Sunday afternoon at 1:00 p.m. ET.