ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) — The Detroit Lions were not expected to have the same success as last year, when they won a franchise-record 15 games to become the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs and win back-to-back division titles for the first time since they became an NFL powerhouse in the early 1950s.
Detroit lost two veterans and two coordinators from one of the league’s best offensive lines, including Ben Johnson, who left to lead the Chicago Bears, and didn’t address its pressing need for pass rush help.
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The schedule is also tougher than it was a year ago.
However, no one expected the Lions to be in trouble like they were at 4-1 to start the season.
Detroit (8-7) hasn’t won back-to-back games in more than two months. After losing back-to-back games for the first time in more than three years, including Sunday’s 29-24 loss to Pittsburgh, the Lions’ chances of making the playoffs are slim.
Detroit’s only chance to make a third straight playoff berth is to win Thursday night’s road game against the Minnesota Vikings and the NFC North-leading Bears on the final weekend of the regular season, while the Green Bay Packers lose at home to Baltimore and Minnesota.
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Coach Dan Campbell was undaunted and the message to his team was clear.
“Keep going,” Campbell said, telling his players Monday as they met to begin a week of preparation. “We have three days of training here for these guys to do some mental work and recovery. Make sure they’re rested when they leave here and go back to work.
“No one feels sorry for us. No one cares. We have a game plan for them. They have to go out there, digest it as quickly as possible and be ready to go, man — emotionally, mentally, physically ready when Thursday comes around.”
what’s working
The Lions are moving the ball effectively to running back Jameer Gibbs, who had 10 catches for 66 yards against the Steelers, as they struggle to get him going in the running game.
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What help do you need?
Detroit was held to 15 rushing yards — its lowest total since 2016 — the latest sign that a once-powerful running game has become weak as an injured offensive line can’t open holes for Gibbs and David Montgomery.
The Lions rushed for just 70 yards in their last game, losing to the Los Angeles Rams, and are 0-6 with less than 100 yards on the ground.
Stock up
In 10 games against the Steelers, Aidan Hutchinson sacked Aaron Rodgers twice in the first half for a total of 11 1/2 sacks. Hutchinson matched his career high set two years ago and showed he is back from a season-ending knee injury in 2024.
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Inventory decline
Amon-Ra St. Brown held just four catches on nine targets for 54 yards, and a pass interference penalty on the final play against Pittsburgh negated his lateral play and Jared Goff’s go-ahead touchdown on the final play.
Injuried
St. Brown returned to work Monday with a knee injury.
“It was just something that popped up when he came in,” Campbell said.
Defensive back Avonte Maddox (back) was injured against Pittsburgh, another blow to a secondary that has three starters injured.
key number
7% – That’s Detroit’s odds of making the playoffs, according to the NFL.
Next steps
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The Lions need to focus on what they can control — winning in Minnesota — and hope the Packers lose to keep their playoff hopes alive for another week.
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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl