Detroit Lions Weblog

33 Total Yards Rushing

I had the good fortune of having to work this Sunday, so I was not privy to viewing the utter disaster that occurred at Ford Field on Sunday afternoon. If there is any one aspect of the game that I feel should illuminate why the Lion’s lost it was that they were only capable of gaining 33 yards rushing.

Mind you, 33 yards is just under half their not so stellar 87.3 yards per game average. That being said, 33 yards against a defense who had been allowing 149.8 yards per game rushing is not just a failure in player execution, it is a failure in play-calling and game-planning. It was no great secret that the Lions should be trying to establish the run versus the Packers, especially considering the Packers defensive deficiencies.Yet the Lions coaching staff only saw fit to call two running plays consecutively twice. Once in their opening drive and also in the 1st drive of the second half. We all know that the West Coast Offense is a pass first offense and often times the running plays are used to set-up passing situations and not as a point of emphasis. Also many fans are well aware that when you spot a team 7 points by throwing an interception for a touchdown that a team may have to deviate from it’s original game plan. Still this game was a complete failure from the get go by this offensive coaching staff and they need to stand accountable for this loss, possibly the most disappointing among many in recent (or not so recent) Lion history.

The Lions are also going to have to take a long hard look at an offensive line which boasts (?) two first round draft picks, a second rounder, a high profile free agent signee, and a supposedly capable journeymen.