4 Takeaways Following Lions' 38-10 Loss to Broncos
This season, the Lions will likely not experience again a week like they just had, ahead of their game against the Broncos.
Unfortunately, the Lions were required to replace a large chunk of their roster that was dealing with the coronavirus or another illness, such as the flu.
Seven practice-squad players were called up, and the coaching staff attempted to cobble together a gameplan to try and keep the game close and competitive.
In the end, costly mistakes and being shorthanded cost the Lions an opportunity to win their second consecutive game of the season.
The Broncos went five-for-five in the red zone on their way to an easy victory.
Here are four takeaways from the Lions' 38-10 loss in Week 14.
© Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Ron Chenoy, USA TODAY Sports
© Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Two more defenders lost against Broncos
Prior to the game, Detroit was required to call up a total of seven players from the practice squad, due to the roster being ravaged by the flu bug and the coronavirus.
Luckily, all 12 players that entered the game as questionable were able to suit up and contribute.
In the first half, though, the Lions' defense lost one of their veteran leaders and a young defensive back who has emerged on to the scene this season.
Aaron Glenn's defense lost linebacker Alex Anzalone to an ankle injury and cornerback Jerry Jacobs to a left knee injury.
On the first possession of the game for the Broncos, Jacobs' knee was hit by the helmet of safety Will Harris.
Jacobs did not put any weight on his knee as he left the field. He was eventually carted off, and did not return to action.
Godwin Igwebuike's third-quarter fumble turned the tide in favor of the Broncos
The Lions' offense could not have started the game slower.
While Denver racked up 135 yards of total offense in the first 15 minutes of play, the Lions had -1 yards of offense.
Running back Craig Reynolds, who earned the nickname "Netflix" since he was signed to the roster during training camp while he was at home on his couch, got the offense going on his third career carry. He scampered 35 yards, and aided Detroit's offense during its first touchdown drive.
Coming out of the half, the Lions had the football, only trailing, 17-10.
Unfortunately, converted safety Godwin Igwebuike quickly coughed up the football, and the Broncos capitalized.
Denver's offense went on to score two consecutive touchdowns to extend its lead to 31-10, all but ending Detroit's chances of securing a victory.
Igwebuike almost turned the football over again later in the game, but the fumble call was nixed since his foot was ruled out of bounds.
Lions remained aggressive despite trailing by a wide margin
With nothing to lose, the Lions' offense remained aggressive, going for it on fourth down repeatedly and even on their own side of the field.
Campbell and Co. mixed up the play calls, with passes in the flat and run calls to try and secure an additional set of downs.
Detroit was able to drive the football late in the third quarter and into the fourth, but the 16-play drive netted Detroit no points, as Goff attempted a pass to tight end Shane Zylstra in the end zone that ended up incomplete.
Early in the fourth quarter, Detroit still trailed, 31-10.
Lions officially eliminated from postseason play
Over the past month, fans had fun with social media posts indicating the Lions had a one-in-a-trillion chance of making the playoffs before Week 14 began.
Earlier, national sports outlets were enjoying posting all of the various scenarios that needed to occur the last month of the NFL season for the Lions to still make the playoffs.
Well, all of the silliness regarding the Lions and the playoffs can now be put to bed.
Prior to the kickoff, the Lions were officially eliminated from the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season.
It is the first occasion the team went this long without a playoff berth, since being absent from the postseason for 11 consecutive seasons from 2000-10.
