The Detroit Lions lost, what is the positive side?

If a win is a win, even a ugly in like the Detroit Lions had in week one, than a loss is a loss even when it is to a team that looks as good as the San Francisco 49ers. That is all fine and good, but in week two we here at DJC see way too much positive to give up on the Lions this soon. Even though there will be some in the fan base who feel that way after a loss on prime time TV with a National Audience.

September 16, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; Detroit Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew (87) is hit by San Francisco 49ers strong safety Donte Whitner (31) after catching a touchdown in the fourth quarter at Candlestick Park. The 49ers defeated the Lions 27-19. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-US PRESSWIRE

First and foremost we know the 49ers looked awfully good, but we will contend that the Lions beat themselves. The Matthew Stafford interception, the Drayton Florence penalty for running into the kicker, and the Jacob Lacey pass interference penalty in the end zone all lead to 49ers scores. Had those play gone the other way, this game plays out a heck of a lot differently. The Lions also committed a lot more penalties this week versus last, and the defense failed to come up with a big stop late to keep the score close enough for the offense to tie or take the lead.

Sure the Lions defense allowed 5.5 rushing yards per carry and that is way too high, sure the failed to make critical stops and committed penalties that extended 49ers drivers. However, those are all things the Lions did to themselves. The 49ers did not come out blow this team away and for the Lions to stay in game with the early favorites to win the NFC that is pretty awesome. Just four years ago the entire Lions fan base was suffering through a winless regular season.

The more troubling thing to come out of the 49ers game was the continued struggles of Matthew Stafford, especially early. If the entire game was the two minute drill he might be the best QB in the NFL. However, he continues to make questionable decisions early in games, and leaves the offense feeling out of sync for long stretches. Not to mention the questionable results the Lions are getting out of their running game.

A loss is a loss, and all losses hurt but….The NFL regular season is a marathon and no team (well virtually no team) wins every regular season game. 1-1 is a pretty good place to be with a trip to the Tennessee Titans the next challenge in store for this team.