Detroit Lions' Secondary Torched In 45-28 NFC Wild-Card Loss Against New Orleans Saints.NEW ORLEANS - Many people do not believe the Detroit Lions could compete in Saturday's NFC wild-card game.Detroit looked skeptical unbalanced previous loss against New Orleans and the thought of history repeating itself. New Orleans was 8-0 at home before Saturday's game. Detroit was a sixth seed without a victory against four NFC wild-card teams this season.
The Lions (10-7) were defeated by New Orleans 45-28 in the game wild-card, but sent a clear message to all those who watched the match.
Detroit is a team on the rise.
In any way the content was in Detroit just made its appearance in the playoffs the first time since the 1999 season. Detroit planned to win his first playoff game since the 1991 season. The Lions were ready to make a Super Bowl run this season.
There was one problem.
Detroit is a year away from making that run.
The Lions must find a way to improve a secondary that allowed a quarter of the Saints Drew Brees to complete 33 - of-43 passes for 466 yards and three touchdowns. Detroit defensive backs cover the receivers struggled to New Orleans and missed several key tackles throughout the match.
Detroit defensive backs Eric Wright and Aaron Berry also missed opportunities to intercept Brees separated.
"Basically, it was a miscommunication on the rear end and we did not tackle as if we were supposed to," Lions defensive back Chris Houston said. "That basically sums up the game. It was a miscommunication, they made their affected. You cannot do that against a good team like that.
"The calls that were made were easy calls, so I do not see how there was a miscommunication. Sometimes something we learn. You come back and continue going to the playoffs year after year. "
Lions cornerback Alphonso Smith gave a touchdown when he was there. He took to Twitter after the game to defend himself and says: "Before you say something crazy or ignorant please know your" coverage "at first just a friendly reminder! Now fire away! "
Smith himself said after the game.
"I was not there much. I do, "said Smith. "On my game, the game that (Marques) Colston ran, it was a personal game. He ran a vertical course. It surprised me. He ran a vertical route and caught the ball, he should not have. Then we had a blown one-time coverage. It is what it is. "
In addition, Detroit must find a way to bounce back from obstacles that cannot control, such as civil servants.
Detroit forced two fumbles, but sales could have been a touchdown if not for the error of an official.
New Orleans faced second-and-6 on the Detroit 37-yard line when Lions defensive end Willie Brees hit young people and caused a fumble in the second quarter. Lions linebacker Justin recovered during the ball 38 yards of line and his team had a clear path to the end zone, but has not been authorized in advance.
During this reading, an official inadvertently blew his whistle and the game was declared dead. Detroit went three-and-out, which put an even greater honor of the error.
That said, Detroit began its first playoff game since the 1999 season better than many expected.
Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford led his team on an eight play, 80 yard opening, which was crowned by a 10-yard pass to end Will Heller tight. Detroit led 7-0 four minutes into the game.
New Orleans has taken on its own 19-yard line. The Saints advanced to the Detroit 31-yard line in five plays. Brees completed a pass to Colston, who fumbled after a hit by linebacker Stephen Tulloch Lions. Colston fumbled was recovered by Durant.
The Saints scored on their next possession on running back Darren SPROLS '2-yard. New Orleans and Detroit were tied at seven early in the second quarter.
Stafford again led his team on a scoring drive. Detroit ran nine plays and gained 87 yards, a casual reader highlighted by Stafford touched 13 yards to Calvin Johnson, giving the Lions a lead of 14-7.
Kicker John Kasay New Orleans has a 24-yard field goal before halftime, but Detroit led 14-10 heading towards the locker room.
Stafford completed 14 of 22 passes for 180-yards and two touchdowns, while Brees completed 17 of-21 passes for 174 yards and no touchdowns at the half.
New Orleans then showed how a team wins in the playoffs when it counts established.
Detroit was downgraded 35-14 in the second half of New Orleans poured it on. Brees threw touchdown passes to three receivers. SPROLS scored on a touchdown run of 17 yards, while Thomas and Peter had a stroke hit a yard.
While the founding of Detroit's defense needs to be addressed - yes, we're talking high school - Johnson is not far from this list.
Johnson had 12 receptions for 211 yards and two touchdowns against New Orleans. He still has one year remaining on his contract, but Detroit may have to work on a new agreement this offseason for Johnson. If Detroit wants to make another playoff run, Johnson will be a part of his team.
Detroit has several things to address this offseason, but for the first time in years, his season will end with a single thought.
This team is on the rise.
"I was not ready for more," Lions center Dominic Raiola said. "You do not think it going to be like when finished. I feel that we have to come back, but it's hard to swallow right now. It's done. One and Done. It was a successful season, I think. I do not think anyone predicted us to go to the playoffs this year. You never want to hang your hat on that. "
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