The Detroit Lions misery in 2019 continued this past Sunday with their 20-7 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, adding to what has already been an incredibly trying campaign.
And as such, they’ve dropped in this week’s edition of the recently released NFL power rankings.
Per USA Today:
29. Lions (28 last week): Surely appears this will be fifth consecutive season that Detroit’s leading rusher won’t crack 650 yards.
Per ESPN:
25. Lions (23 last week): The offense’s ranking is probably right considering Detroit lost Matthew Stafford and Kerryon Johnson, but the defense has been the real disappointment. Entering the season, the Lions thought they could have a top-10 defensive unit. Instead, they have struggled against the pass and the run, can’t pressure opposing quarterbacks and can’t put together stops when necessary. “We just keep beating ourselves,” safety Tracy Walker said. All too often this season, that’s been true, whether a defensive player loses an opponent late or the Lions can’t get critical stops. It has led to a 3-9-1 record and another last-place finish in the NFC North. — Michael Rothstein
Per MLive
30. Lions: “ The Lions have lost nine of their 10 last games, six in a row and are staring down the potential of a winless season inside the division. Detroit turned in one of its most lifeless efforts of the year in the 20-7 loss in Minnesota. Week 15: vs. Buccaneers.”
