Tom Greene | November 18th, 2019
Ah yes, if you read the title, it tells you a lot about this game. The famed Wiz Khalifa song, “We Dem Boyz“, has been a rallying tune amongst fans since the song came out in 2014. No, not the fight song, simply a rallying tune. Of course, like any Cowboys-related content, it’s been memed. Whether or not it’s funny is up to the reader.
The Lions came into Sunday hoping to add Jeff Driskel to the QBs shown in the meme, along with Sam Darnold, Teddy Bridgewater, Kirk Cousins, and Aaron Rodgers. The Lions were also looking to stay in the realistic playoff hunt. Unfortunately, 35 points and over 400 yards given up put the Lions from the realistic playoff hunt to the mathematical playoff hunt. And that window is also closing fast.
The three points in these articles were once positive to start the year. They have turned very critical. We now look at three points to take away from this game.
1. Driskel is no Stafford, but he’s not bad!
Yes, the Lions desperately miss Matthew Stafford on the field. However, Driskel proved today that he can manage a game with his arm and his feet. He threw for 209 yards and two scores. He ran for 51 yards and a score. He also made things work without Kenny Golladay being a factor, as he only caught one ball for 34 yards. He was well protected, just as Darius Slay defended Amari Cooper.
There is no doubt that problems exist on this team, as the Lions fell to 3-6-1 today. But, the Quarterback position is not one of them, as Driskel was able to keep this game within reach. Now, for a problem explained by point two.
2. Again, Where’s the Defense?
Remember the old lady in the Wendy’s commercial that asked, “Where’s the Beef?”? She’d like to make a new segment in Detroit called, “Where’s the D?”. No, not the D we see in memes, the defense on the field! As I explained in last week’s recap, this defense has been absolutely torched the past four weeks. This week was no different.
Dak Prescott threw for 444 yards and three scores. Ezekiel Elliott, while only rushing for 45 yards, was well-fed. He found the end zone once and caught two passes for 28 yards. While Cooper was being defended, Prescott found Michael Gallup nine times for 148 yards. The Cowboys simply found ways to shred Detroit’s already-atrocious defense for 35 points and a victory that felt like it was by more than one possession.
Paul Pasqualoni, once again, needs to be highly criticized. This defense was the second cheapest ($1800) on DraftKings this week. It ranked 30th overall. Whatever is happening in Allen Park is clearly not working, and something needs to change. Quickly.
3. Bo Scarbrough is a solid pickup
Defensive woes set aside, the Lions signed Bo Scarbrough in an attempt to find a running game with injuries to Kerryon Johnson, Tra Carson, and Ty Johnson (who returned this week). While only tallying 55 yards on the box score, Scarbrough made tough runs through his line, something that only Kerryon Johnson had done in the past pair of seasons. Scarbrough also found the end zone, which helped Detroit hang around with Dallas.
He may not be Josh Jacobs, but Scarbrough showed signs of it today. Tough yards, running north-south, with a breakout play ability. If your running back can get north-south, downhill yards, he can be reliable for years to come. Scarbrough showed signs of a future in Detroit today, and we hope that continues in Johnson’s season-long absence.
What’s Next?
The Lions fell to 3-6-1, and most fans now believe playoffs aren’t possible. While it may feel realistically so, the math says, “Not just yet!”. The Lions will attempt to get back on track with a critical game against the Washington Redskins that look to be completely in the dumps.
After firing Jay Gruden and losing Trent Williams to a holdout with cancer that was unknown to the team, owner Dan Snyder has been highly criticized for the way he’s managed this team. Interim coach Bill Callahan has led the team to their only victory, but now Dwayne Haskins looks like a shell of himself from what he was at Ohio State.
With this downward trend, Redskins fans are selling tickets for as low as a Happy Meal at McDonald’s. (Alright, the cheapest I could find with fees is $14.30. To be fair, Happy Meals for four children or two adult meals). This is not a good look for the team OR the league.
With that being said, the Lions look to make a case for respectability and any hope at a playoff run next week at FedEx field. It’s been a long season, and we hope it doesn’t feel longer than this.
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