Terry Bradshaw Says Lions Will Miss Playoffs
By Ashley Dunkak
@AshleyDunkak
CBS DETROIT - Analyst Terry Bradshaw predicted on the Fox pregame show Sunday that the Detroit Lions will miss out on the postseason again this year.
"I don't think this team's going to make the playoffs," Bradshaw said, "simply because that offense has gone into hibernation."
The Lions gave credence to Bradshaw's lack of confidence by losing to the New England Patriots, 34-9, and failing for a second straight week to score even a single touchdown. Detroit started the season with a record of 7-2 and now sits at 7-4.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford completed only 39.1 percent of his passes, by far his worst performance of the season in terms of that statistic. The offense as a whole struggled mightily, though. The offensive line - which lost starting left tackle Riley Reiff one play into the game - did not give Stafford much time to throw, and wide receivers and tight ends had a hard time holding onto the ball.
Tight end Joe Fauria and wide receivers Corey Fuller and Jeremy Ross each failed to corral well-placed, would-be touchdown passes. Star wide receiver Calvin Johnson and rookie tight end Eric Ebron both had drops in the middle of the field.
The defense, which ranked first in the NFL heading into the game, did not hold up its end of the bargain, either. The Lions had not allowed more than 24 points all season, but the Patriots blew that mark out of the water.
Special teams proved less than effective also; the Lions allowed an 81-yard punt return, and kicker Matt Prater missed a 53-yard field goal.
Detroit has just three days before it plays again Thursday in a Thanksgiving Day matchup against the Chicago Bears.
