Lions Fans Question Defense, Pass Rush in Shootout Win

Lions' defense struggled after the bye.

In the second half of Sunday's showdown between Detroit and Los Angeles, defense was optional. 

Each of the final six series finished with the offense scoring, with only the final drive of the game ending in a field goal. It was the Lions which finished on the winning side, emerging victorious on a 41-yard field goal from Riley Patterson as time expired. 

The win moves Detroit to 7-2 and two wins ahead of Minnesota in the NFC North division. Additionally, the Lions stay a game behind of the Philadelphia Eagles for the NFC's No. 1 seed in the playoffs. 

Though still plenty of time remains in the season, the Lions have high expectations for the future. If they want to achieve their lofty goals, their pass-rush inconsistencies and overall defensive struggles must continue to improve. 

The Lions failed to record a sack in Sunday's game, winning in spite of allowing 421 yards of total offense. 

"This'll be one of those I just melt in my seat, probably. I say I won't, I usually try to stay away from the tape until in the morning, because I don't want to grade off emotions, but I may peek, it's a long one back," said Dan Campbell. "I can tell you this, it always feels a lot better after a win. Whatever it is, four, five hours, it's much better after a win than it is when you don't come away with a game like that. So, I was proud of the guys, man, they really showed up and found a way to win that game." 

Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert accounted for 323 of those yards through the air, tossing four touchdowns while rarely facing pressure. Aidan Hutchinson logged three quarterback hurries, but no Lions player was able to get Herbert to the ground. 

Lions fans voiced their frustrations with the defensive efforts, while maintaining a positive reaction to the team's win. Here is a sample of the reaction online to Detroit's seventh win of the season. 

Defense looked as bad as the offense looked good.

— Chet Steadman (@SquidRelevance) November 13, 2023

Great offense/ trash defense who gets no pass rush

— DetroitVsEverybody (@Himothy7878) November 13, 2023

That this win offsets that Seahawks loss.

And let’s not do shootouts anymore. I like the 14+ point victories much better.

— Stephen (@SACOpinions) November 13, 2023