Caldwell Optimistic About Lions Offense Despite Dismal Numbers
By Ashley Dunkak
@AshleyDunkak
ALLEN PARK (CBS DETROIT) - The Detroit Lions have a record of 4-2 despite an offense that currently ranks among the least productive in the NFL.
After six weeks, the Lions rank 27th in points per game (19.3) and 23rd in yards per game (330.2).
The team's production has been particularly paltry the last two games. One week after amassing only 273 yards against the Buffalo Bills, the Lions totaled just 255 yards against the Minnesota Vikings.
Granted, the Lions have operated for a decent chunk of the season with star wide receiver Calvin Johnson at less than 100 percent. He was ruled out for Sunday's game in Minnesota after getting hurt midway through the Buffalo game. The Lions have also missed running back Reggie Bush, who like Johnson sat out the Minnesota game after suffering an ankle injury during the Buffalo game.
Lions head coach Jim Caldwell said that while the offense needs to be better, the Lions are not concerned if the numbers are not pretty.
"This team is more about winning than about statistical milestones, and I think that's the most important thing that you have to look at," Caldwell said. "Teams win different ways. Do I expect that at some point you'll see the offense explode? Yes I do. I do think you'll see it a lot more productive than we've been. I think that's part of the process. You just keep working at it and getting better, but the most important thing is to win. That's the key.
"I think often times in the business in which you guys are in, that's not enough," Caldwell added, addressing the media at his weekly press conference. "You look at all factors, and so then that's the way it is, but from our vantage point, we look at the win the most important thing."
