Ndamukong Suh chases down Panthers QB Cam Newton. The Lions defense failed to stop Carolina from running rough-shot over them. Photo/DetroitLions.com
[dropcap]I[/dropcap]t was all good just a week ago.
Just seven days ago, Detroit Lions fans were riding a emotional high after the 35-14 beat down of the New York Giants in a game where they looked near perfect.
Fast forward to Sunday and the Lions did a complete 180 in their first road game and big test of the season, losing to the Carolina Panthers 24-7 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.
Detroit had more than their fare share of misses from kicks, to key passes and recovering crucial fumbles.
Perhaps the biggest mistake though was not taking advantage of a Panthers team missing two stars in deactivated defensive end Greg Hardy and injured running back DeAngelo Williams.
And most importantly, Detroit missed the opportunity to not only take the division lead, but prove to the league that they are to be reckoned with.
Instead, they reminded everyone that perhaps this might be the “Same Old Lions”.
Detroit would commit two turnovers in the first quarter by Golden Tate and Joique Bell, with Tate’s recovered while Bell’s went to Carolina.
With rookie kicker Nate Freese missing two field goals from 49 yards, Detroit was held scoreless in the first half.
However, after holding the Panthers to a three and out on the opening drive of the third quarter, Detroit would score and take the lead on a 1-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Matthew Stafford to fullback Jed Collins. It wouldn’t last long though.
After Carolina took a 13-7 lead, Stafford would throw an interception while trying to force a ball downfield to Calvin Johnson in double coverage, with Antoine Cason Cason coming up with the ball and going the other way for 23 yards.
The Panthers would turn that into a 70-yard drive, capped off by Jonathan Stewart 2-yard touchdown, followed by a 2-point conversion to go up 21-7 with a little over seven minutes remaining in the third quarter.
While Stafford finished 27-for-48 and 291 yards with one touchdown and a interception, the concerns continue to stack up for the Lions early in the 2014 season.
Even after entering Sunday’s contest thin in the secondary after cornerback Bill Bentley went down last week, his replacement Nevin Lawson suffered a dislocated foot against the Panthers and was confirmed to be out for the season on Monday,
Detroit was forced to insert safety Cassius Vaughn at nickelback as Carolina took advantage of the shorthanded secondary, with quarterback Cam Newton hitting tight end Greg Olsen across the middle often to the tune of six catches for 72 yards.
Aside from the Stafford and the secondary, the struggle was widespread.
The running game for the Lions didn’t do them any favors, as Reggie Bush and Bell combined for 62 yards and 3.9 yards a carry with Bell playing 42 snaps, compared to Bush’s 29.
After being sacked just once against the Giants, Stafford was sacked four times with the offensive line in limbo, going right tackle by committee with rookie Cornelius Lucas who played 17 snaps and veteran Garrett Reynolds, who started and played 55 snaps.
Although Calvin Johnson finished with six catches and 83 yards, he would drop a touchdown pass while Detroit receivers would tally six drops after recording none against the Giants.
Stafford would complete passes to eight different receivers, including Tate who after snagging four catches for 51 yards in the first half, was phased out after halftime with only one catch for six yards in the second half.
The defense however proved to be the bright spot for Detroit though, recording another four sacks, led by C.J Mosley with two and holding Cam Newton to a 22-for-34 with 281 yards passing and one touchdown.
Nick Fairley and Ndamukong Suh would both record three tackles, but Fairley was rendered ineffective after the second quarter, suffering a bicep injury and yet to be diagnosed.
With a plethora of injuries on both sides of the ball, look for Detroit to insert the tight ends in more blocking situations, led by Brandon Pettigrew (35 of 72 snaps).
The Lions will also look to bring in outside help for the secondary, possibly Mohammed Seisay from the practice squad among others. Rashean Mathis will also be looked upon to play a bit of safety due to a shortage in personnel.
With the rookie Freese missing another two field goals against Carolina, Detroit might be looking for reinforcements.
Giorgio Tavecchio, who served as Freese’s competition during preseason would be in line for a look as well as veterans Jay Feely and Rob Bironas just a phone call away.
