Actually, I think the better question is: What should we learn from today’s win against the Cleveland Browns?
In Detroit, we have learned never to take victories for granted, especially when we have only seen 42 in this decade. But when was the last time the Detroit Lions won a game they were supposed to win?
That’s what I thought.
I know I wasn’t the only blogger who drafted a scathing post in my head when I saw the Browns jump out to a 21-3 lead on the golden arm of Brady Quinn.
But then the Lions did something they rarely do.
They came back.
And it wasn’t the too-little-too-late variety of comeback.
This one had fangs.
This one sounded different.
And when the Lions’ first round draft pick, Matthew Stafford, hit their other first round pick, Brandon Pettigrew, with the game-winning touchdown with zeroes showing on the clock, you would be excused if you waited for the referee to call Dominic Raolia for holding.
But – gasp! – that flag was never thrown.
The Lions had won. Only their second of the season, but maybe a glimpse of how potent this offense can be when everyone’s healthy.
On the other hand, there are those who will call this for what it is – a victory against a franchise that shares in our misery. We must face the truth that the Lions were seconds away from defeat, which would have, inevitably, led to more outcry that this franchise continues to move in the wrong direction.
And there’s no excuse for giving up 37 points and 439 total yards to any team short of the New Orleans Saints.
Those numbers underscore how pathetic our defense is, and shows why so many people were unhappy with the offense-first mentality they demonstrated in the draft.
If they’re this porous against the worst offense in the National Football League, why should we have faith that this team is anywhere near contending?
If we circle back to the top of this post, I think we’ll find our answer.
When this team is healthy, they can score points.
Stafford appears to be a serviceable quarterback, we know Calvin Johnson is a stud, and Pettigrew can provide a dangerous safety valve ala Antonio Gates and Dallas Clark.
Barring a miracle, this organization will likely have a top 5 pick in next year’s draft. Unless Martin Mayhew is a friggin’ idiot, they’ll (finally) focus on defense and the lines.
I know I’m basing most of it on today’s win, but instead of closing up shop when the going got tough, they showed us a glimpse of what an actual pro football team looks like. I imagine this is what fans in Indianapolis and New England see on a weekly basis.
Today’s outcome should provide a shred of hope for the faithful in this fine city.
I just hope this isn’t another one of the Lion’s tricks.
The Spirit of Detroit 