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Detroit Lions stock watch: Why Turkey Day could go either way

By Matt Bosko

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 1: T.J. Jones #13 of the Detroit Lions lunges into the end zone with the ball for a successful two point conversion in the third quarter of the game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 1, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 1: T.J. Jones #13 of the Detroit Lions lunges into the end zone with the ball for a successful two point conversion in the third quarter of the game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 1, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /
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The Detroit Lions have rattled off three consecutive wins ahead of their Thanksgiving Day showdown against the Minnesota Vikings. While battle tested, one glaring weakness continues to hold them back.

It’s a good time to be a fan of the Detroit Lions right now. The team is exciting to watch, they are winners of three straight games, and sit at 6-4 with sights set on their first NFC North title.

In typical Lions fashion, however, all it takes is one soul-crushing loss to ruin it all.

For many die-hard Lions fans, Thanksgiving dinner is dictated by the outcome of the game. Win, and we celebrate with a smile, laughter, and unrivaled gluttony. Lose, and we are reduced to frowning, silence, and unrivaled gluttony.

In this week’s Stock Report, I will touch on one reason why each outcome is possible.

STOCK UP

Fortitude

Sure, we can say that the Lions have spent the last two weeks getting pushed around by inferior opponents. We can say that their play in the early parts of those games seems uninspired.

All of those things are true.

But so is this – the team is never rattled.

No matter what the situation, no matter how adverse the circumstances, the Lions are at their best when their backs are against the wall. It may not always be pretty, but they get the job done.

Trailing 24-17 late in the third quarter to the Cleveland Browns? Matthew Stafford threw three consecutive touchdown passes the defense never allowed another score.

Need a 52 yard go-ahead field goal, in Chicago, in frigid conditions, in swirling winds? Matt Prater delivered from well outside the range he calculated for himself during warm-ups.

The Lions simply do not panic, regardless of the situation. This is a direct contrast to their fans, who are more than likely chewing off their fingernails, throwing things at the television, and shouting obscenities – all at the same time.

Simply put, the Lions are battle-tested.

The team learns from each of these experiences, the wins as well as the close losses. These games prepare them for the next critical situation, and give them confidence that they can deliver in the next pivotal moment, which happens to be this Thursday afternoon against the Vikings.

STOCK DOWN

Run Defense

Speaking of panic, have you seen teams run on the Lions in recent weeks?

Not to burst the warm, comfortable bubble I created in the above piece, but if something doesn’t change, the Lions will not be able to keep things close enough to pull away in the end.

After limiting the Steelers and the Packers to 75 and 78 yards on the ground, respectively, the Lions have been a horror show up front, and we’re way past Halloween.

In the last two weeks, the Lions have surrendered a total of 423 rushing yards. To put that number in perspective, Ameer Abdullah has rushed for 491 yards – in ten games. Yikes.

It is as puzzling as it is unacceptable.

Next: Lions game balls for win over the Bears

The Lions are razor-thin along the defensive line due to injuries, and teams are zeroing in on that weakness. Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin must figure out a way to stop the bleeding. If he cannot, no matter how calm the Lions remain, the score – and the playoffs – will be too far out of reach.

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