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OPINION: Lions Fans Just Need To Get Over It Already

By: Jeff Riger
@riger1984

There's no disputing the Lions were screwed Sunday in Dallas, but you've got to get over it.

The fact that we're still talking about one flag that was picked up -- three days after the fact -- is just sad.

Fans are starting to sound like the guy who got dumped and can't stop talking about an ex-girlfriend.

Every fan has a right to be upset, but there comes a point where all the whining and pouting really makes the fan base look ridiculous. Yes, the NFL isn't helping things by coming out with a different apology every day and the fact that the President of the United States said he too, would be angry if he were a Lions fan just adds to the longevity of it all.

But, people, and this is coming from a friend, we need to move on.

One bad call did not determine the outcome of Sunday's game, but you wouldn't know that by listening to the fans and media. It's ridiculous to tell you the truth. Instead of talking about a game where the Lions came up short in the biggest opportunity of the season, we just continue to yell and scream about a decision to pick up a flag.

It's pathetic after awhile, it's totally a loser's mentality.

Before and after the call, Detroit had every chance to win the game. In fact, after the play in question, the Lions led by three and even had another offensive down to work with. They could have gone for it on 4th and 1, got a first down and we wouldn't be talking about any of this. But we all know what happened. Detroit decided to punt, Sam Martin shanked the kick and the Cowboys eventually scored to take the lead once and for all.
What is not talked about is that shank, or the offense scoring just 6 points in 3 quarters of football or how about that 4th and 6 play where the Lions defense couldn't get off the field. I could go on if you would like…

The Lions imploded, they didn't know how to handle things after a little adversity and the fan base doesn't know how to deal either.

After all that went wrong, Detroit still had their shot. Matthew Stafford had the opportunity to be the hero, he had a chance to win over all his critics with one 2 minute drive that would have went down in Lions history. Stafford has led his team back several times this season alone, but when the stakes were at their highest, he couldn't get the job done.

And, that's OK. It's not all on the QB, but it sure in the hell isn't all on one officiating call either.

The picked-up flag changed momentum, but there is no saying that the Lions would have won the game even if the call was officiated correctly. Detroit would have had the ball right around the 34 yard line in Dallas territory if the defensive pass interference would have held. An eventual field goal would have given the Lions a 6 point lead while a touchdown would have made it 10. Would the Lions have held on at that point? Who knows? There was still a lot of time left in the game.

The officials did not prevent the Lions from winning, the Cowboys did. So just stop whining already.

Yes, I understand that it's awful being a Lions fan. From the 0-16 season to having just 1 playoff win since 1957, Detroit fans are the most tortured fan base in all of sports. Fans have a right to whine about a lot. There's the franchise QB who looks anything but. The chance that the organization's best defensive player in the last 50 years will be elsewhere next season. And, let's not forget that the schedule will be a lot tougher in 2015, meaning there is no guarantee the Lions will have the same kind of success that they did this year. Let's face it. Everything went right for the team this season. The schedule was favorable, a first year defensive coordinator made the defense into one of the best in the league and there was even some miracle comebacks sprinkled in as well.

If fans are going to be angry, it should be at the fact that the Lions didn't take advantage of the breaks that they had, not that some ref picked up a flag with still plenty of time left in a game with the Lions leading by 3.

So please, stop the whining. The game wasn't fixed, there's no grand conspiracy, the league didn't want Detroit to lose and the only thing that is starting to look worse than that picked up flag is the fans and media that can't seem to get over it.

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