Sunday’s game was a fitting end for the horrific collapse of the Detroit Lions and Jim Schwartz’s career. Schwartz was fired around noon on Monday after a meeting with the Lions organization. Sunday’s loss was their sixth in the last seven weeks. Seven weeks ago the Lions were the assumed Division champion in an injured division. Sunday was no different than prior weeks as the Lions blew their fourth straight fourth quarter lead.
The Lions were able to score three times on Sunday. The lone touchdown came on a pass to Reggie Bush. Matthew Stafford threw for 217 yards and did not throw an interception. Both Reggie Bush and Joique Bell were held to 32 and 31 yards rushing. The leading receiver was Kevin Ogletree who had five catches for 75 yards.
It was a boring game to watch to say the least. The Lions’ conservative play calling ended many drives early. The offense just never seemed to get going. It was yet another game where the Lions looked lost without Calvin Johnson. The Lions need to address wide receiver depth. They need to get someone that can take pressure off Johnson. The Lions lack this number two option in the passing game. Sunday’s game looked like Stafford was playing with practice squad receivers.
The Vikings played without Adrian Peterson but it didn’t seem to have an impact. Matt Asista started at running back and rushed for 115 yards on 14 carries. It looked like anyone could have ran the ball for 100 yards against the Lions.
With Sunday’s loss the Lions are now set to pick tenth in the draft. It will be interesting to see what the Lions will use the pick on. Most people would say that the obvious pick would be to take a corner but a receiver could be equally as likely. Players to watch are Michigan State’s Darqueze Dennard and Clemson receiver Sammy Watkins.
The question is now about who will replace Jim Schwartz and his staff. Schwartz did improve on last season’s win total but failed for the second straight year to lead the Lions to the playoffs. There have been nothing but high hopes after the Lions made the playoffs two years ago and Schwartz has failed to live up to them. It will now be the new coach’s job to take them there.
The Lions did not fire General Manager Martin Mayhew or President Tom Lewan. With the firing of Schwartz came the firing of both Gunther Cunningham and Scott Linehan. The Lions’ offense defiantly needs some fresh ideas. The defense could also use some changes as them routinely give up big plays.
Tampa Bay, Washington, Cleveland and the Vikings have also fired their head coaches.
Related articles
- POLL: Should the Lions fire Jim Schwartz? (prideofdetroit.com)
- Jim Schwartz fired by Detroit Lions (nfl.si.com)
- Jim Schwartz and his Lions never grew up (espn.go.com)
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