Vikings 12, Lions 10

At what point did you realize that the Lions were bound to have 0-5 next to their title in the standings? Was it before the game when you knew Roy Williams would be mentioned more in trade rumors than in catches made? Was it early on when Dan Orlovsky ran scared for a safety or the moment you realized Leigh Bodden had the team’s first pick? Was it at the end when Ryan Longwell sealed Detroit’s fate underneath the same dome where Tigers fans have had their hearts broken repeatedly? No matter when that moment finally came, it should come as no surprise that in an extremely down year in the NFC North, the Lions find themselves winless and out of it.

The team has made its rounds throughout the NFC North already this season and there is nothing positive to show from it. This team finally gave what looked like an effort on defense and it was totally squandered with lackluster plays down the stretch. Sure, the argument was made that the refs took this one away at the end, but the blame needs to be put squarely in the camp of the Lions from special teams to the coaching staff.

The result has been shameful on offense and it is almost mandatory that the Lions make a deal before Tuesday’s trade deadline. It has become clear that the product on the field is not adequate for the NFL level. In fact, I wouldn’t even have this team take on the Wolverines this season. The schedule provides no relief coming up including a suddenly difficult game next week in Houston. Put Matt Schaub and Steve Slaton on your fantasy teams immediately!