Detroit Lions: 6 takeaways from ugly loss to Packers on Monday night

The Detroit Lions failed to score in the second half of their 17-35 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Monday Night Football. The Lions went into the locker room at halftime up 17-14 in hopes of finishing the second half the same way and bringing a victory back home to Detroit.

Unfortunately, that isn’t how the game finished, as the Packers’ offense blazed the Lions’ defense, scoring 21 straight points. The second half was abysmal from the start for the Detroit  Lions, as nothing seemed to go right on either side of the ball.

Here are six takeaways from the Lions crushing Monday night loss.

1. Linebacker is an issue of concern for the Detroit Lions

The Lions are in a rebuild that is easy to understand. The team needs help in a lot of different areas. The biggest concern on the defensive side last night was the linebacker play. LB’s Alex Anzalone and Jamie Collins were picked on all night by Aaron Rodgers.

Both players gave up a touchdown in coverage and were simply outmatched by the runningbacks catching out of the backfield. Lions rookie Derrick Barnes could see some extended playing time sooner rather than later.

2. Detroit Lions’ secondary injuries continue to mount up.

The Lions couldn’t afford another significant injury in the secondary, but that is exactly what happened on Monday night. With former first-round pick Jeff Okudah already out for the season with an Achilles injury, first-year corner Ifeatu Melifonwu looks to be heading to the injured reserve soon.

Here’s what head coach Dan Campbell had to say about Melifonwu’s injury:

The Lions could be looking to add free agent corners by game time this Sunday.

3. Quintez Cephus had a big night for the Detroit Lions

With Tyrell Williams being ruled out due to a concussion, the Lions needed another receiver to help carry the load. Quintez Cephus was that player, having a fantastic game, including a 46-yard reception on the first drive that was capped off with an excellent five-yard touchdown connection from Jared Goff. Cephus ended the game with four receptions, one touchdown and finished second in receiving yards with 63 total.

4. The Detroit Lions running game didn’t exist for the 

When Jared Goff finishes the game as the leading rusher, more often than not, that isn’t going to bode well for the Lions’ chances at victory. Jamaal Williams and D’Andre Swift combined for only 62 yards on 15 carries.

Williams once again started in the backfield as it seems the team is still easing Swift into the gameplan as he has been dealing with an injury. The Lions have to get a healthy Swift more touches as he showed promise with a few receptions in the fourth quarter.

5. The Detroit Lions offensive line is the strongest unit

Even without Taylor Decker in the lineup, the offensive line proved they are the most vital unit this team has. Before the start of the second half, Monday Night Football announcer Louis Riddick gave a stat that Goff had over three seconds to throw each time he stepped back to pass.

Which was the second-best time in his entire career. The coaching staff would love to have Decker and Penei Sewell in the lineup together, but both have been monsters in the left tackle position. While this could be a problem in the future, it’s a good problem to have.

6. Be patient Detroit Lions fans. This is a rebuild.

Yes, coach Campbell wanted to stay away from the word rebuild as the season began. But there’s no question that the Lions are going through one. This team was left in shambles as the last regime was handed their pink slips.

Lions fans have every right to be afraid of the word rebuild because they haven’t seen much good be built. The outcome of this season may not be pretty, but don’t toss Campbell and the coaching staff away after two games.