Week 13:Turkey Day tradition continues--Lions lose

The Lions, riding a national wave of euphoria over last weeks epic come from behind victory, crashed into the shore of reality like a 10 ton brick on Thanksgiving day. Stafford, who probably shouldn't even have been playing with a separated non-throwing shoulder managed to throw four interceptions and Kevin Smith showed that even the white lines on the field could tackle him.

This was a horrible display for a national audience which is already begging the NFL to "please God, take that game away from them!" I can't say I blame them. Admit it, watching the Lions is bad for your digestion. I say that, not because I wan the Lions to lose the game, but instead, because I have no fear of them losing the tradition. Why? Because I'm still seeing at least six dozen Ford commercials every game--the NFL isn't stupid enough to insult one of it's biggest sponsors.

In other news...

1. I think Matt Stafford, Franchise Savior, just threw another interception. I'm not giving him a pass because he was playing injured...but he really shouldn't have been out there at all. This wasn't one of his typical weeks either. Usually a Lions QB can blame most of his picks on his receivers, because the passes usually bounce harmlessly off their hands and into the air, but this game wasn't that way. These picks weren't because of a ton of QB pressure, or bad WR routes...he just made bad throws. He's a rookie, we were supposed to expect these days this year.

2. I really wanted to like Kevin Smith. I wanted him to be this "James Stewart" clone who was good for 4 yards a carry...not a game breaker...but at least 4 yards a carry. For a while, it appeared that that's what Smith would be...but it turns out that is not what he is. Stewart was a war horse that could break tackles and carry defenders...Smith is tripping over the white lines. He might be a good backup, but he can't break tackles and he doesn't have the game changing break away speed that is needed by a change of pace back.

3. Aaron Brown has that speed. Brown needs to start getting 10-15 touches per game. The most common argument against Brown is that he's "too small." Brown is currently listed as 6-1, 205 lbs. Kevin Smith is listed as 6-1, 217. Chris Johnson, the Tennessee Titans RB who currently leads the NFL in rushing is listed as 5-11, 200. I think Brown is right inside the size wheelhouse for RB's. Brown needs more touches...he probably needs to get a shot as the #1 back before the season is over.

4. I have a feeling that Daunte will start this weekend against Arizona. Last week, the Lions were riding a wave of momentum into a nationally televised game...a huge chance to sell Stafford jersey's nationwide. This week, we're just another 2-9 team. The kid needs to let his shoulder heal.

5. Culpepper was somewhat justified in his outburst before the game. Stafford didn't appear ready to play, having missed the entire week of practice. Culpepper had taken all of the practice reps all week and was overly anxious to show the rest of the world that he could still play.

6. Don't expect to see Daunte on the Detroit sidelines again next season.

7. Stafford threw the ball away on a 4th and 1 from the Green Bay 1...and it worked out to be the right decision. I don't think I'll ever see that again. Green Bay gave up the safety two plays later...and it should have been a touchdown. That was weird.

8. The offensive line opened up some running lanes for Smith, he just tripped going through them.

9. The Lions may end up with the 4th pick in the draft and may still miss out on the two best defensive players in the draft, Ndamukong Suh, DT Nebraska and Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma.

10. The fourth pick in the draft might just be low enough that somebody might want to trade up for it. Hopefully. QB's Sam Bradford, Jake Looker, and Tim Tebow might entice some teams to come calling.

Cheerleaders?

Thanksgiving day allowed Lions fans, once again, to view other teams cheerleaders like the Denver Broncos Cheerleaders and the always famous Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders.

Lions fans...got to watch Daunte Culpepper sulk on the sidelines. It might just be another reason they want to take the game away from us.

3rd and 3 or less

The Lions faced 3rd and 3 or less, converting 4 of 7. They were 2 for 2 rushing and 2 for 5 passing. Year totals; rushing 10 of 13, passing 9 of 19. As bad as the Lions have been, they continue to prove out it is always better to run on 3rd and 3 or less. 77% success rate rushing vs 47% passing. It speaks for itself.

Tales of the inept

The Cleveland Browns (1-10), which the Lions just barely beat, were dissected by the Cincinnati Bengals (16-7) who were without their #1 RB Cedric Benson. At least they managed to score a touchdown.

The St. Louis Rams (1-10) lost to the Seattle Seahawks 27-17 in a game that wasn't nearly as close as the score indicates.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-10) behind another rookie QB, Josh Freeman, Morgan's kid, I think, lost 20-17 to Atlanta in a game that proved to be a lot more entertaining than it should have been.

Tennessee Titans note: Since being listed in this spot, back when they w e re 0-6, the Titans haven't lost a game. They changed QB's from the octogenarian Kerry Collins to spread offense aficionado Vince Young and have gone a 5 game winning streak. The Titans have become a Cinderella story worth watching...next week they run head on into the undefeated Indianapolis Colts. Bring'em on!