Lions Take Step Back, Lose to Cleveland

Detroit took a step back in the preseason and guaranteed a tough of week of practice from Jim Schwartz with a 27-10 loss to Cleveland Saturday. Matt Stafford started the game and looked awful throwing an interception on his first pass. He did not improve past that, and with Culpepper having a solid game, although not spectacular, the chances look slim that Stafford will start Week 1 against New Orleans. The special teams struggled, the defense looked terrible at times and the offense sputtered. Joshua Cribbs returned the first kickoff for a touchdown, then it was called back on holding. The Lions made up for the call by not being able to cover anybody and struggling to tackle anyone in a Brown uniform. The highlight of the night could have been when kicker Swayze "My Mom is a HUGE Dirty Dancing Fan" Waters converted on a 51 yard long field goal, which looks promising if Hanson has a setback recovering from minor knee surgery. Stanton came in and on his first pass completed on a beautiful touchdown throw. Then, he had an unspectacular night to match the rest of the team. I still like what Stanton is showing and I think he could develop into a very solid backup. He showed his wheels again against the Browns, and I can not see a reason not to line him up in a wildcat formation. Most of the Lions best weapons are hurt right now, and some players like Delmas were getting there first playing time of the season. I will take this for what it is, a poor showing by a lot of players who will either be backups or not make the team. This team still has a ton of work to go, and depth will be an issue. The O Line looked solid but we can not generate much of a pass rush. We need many of our youngsters like Fluellen, Cohen, Avril, Williams, Felton and more to reach full potential to have this team contend for anything. This Saturday at 1 the Lions take on the Colts at Ford Field in the third preseason game, the one most like a regular season match up. That game will be the best indicator where the Lions stand this season.