From Newsweek · Andrew Gould · · 1m 20s
Stephen A. Smith worried about Lions despite OT win
The ESPN analyst says Detroit's defensive collapse in a 31-30 comeback loss to New Orleans is a red flag for playoff contention.
In brief
The ESPN analyst says Detroit's defensive collapse in a 31-30 comeback loss to New Orleans is a red flag for playoff contention. A team's ability to close out games matters more than the final score, especially when defensive breakdowns are this severe. Originally reported by Newsweek.
Lions barely hold on in OT
Detroit beat New Orleans 31-30 in overtime after blowing a 21-0 third-quarter lead at Ford Field. The collapse has Stephen A. Smith questioning the team's readiness.
“I'm very, very concerned about them. You were up 21-0. You gave up that lead.”
Defense gave up 469 yards
Saints quarterback Tyler Shough threw for 410 yards and New Orleans converted more than half their third-down attempts. Smith called the defensive performance unacceptable.
“I'm looking at you giving up 469 yards. Detroit's defense is a huge, huge concern for me.”
Coordinators' departures hurt Lions
Detroit lost offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. The offense still ranks fifth in yards, but the defense fell to 29th last season.
Smith questions playoff hopes
The ESPN analyst says Detroit needs to prove it can compete again after losing coordinators. A couple years ago, people thought the Lions could win it all.
“They got to show us that they can be what we thought they were a couple of years ago.”
Buffalo matchup is crucial test
The Lions travel to Buffalo for Thursday Night Football against the Bills on Prime Video. Smith says Detroit needs this win more than Buffalo does.
What matters most
A team's ability to close out games matters more than the final score, especially when defensive breakdowns are this severe.
