Detroit Lions film review: Breaking down the defensive meltdown against Pittsburgh
Allen Park — It wasn’t pristine, but through four possessions and 28 minutes, the Detroit Lions defense was more than doing its part in a must-win game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Steelers managed to drill a lengthy field goal the first time they touched the ball before the Lions forced them to punt three consecutive times, including back-to-back three-and-outs.
After Detroit’s offense broke through with a touchdown just ahead of the two-minute warning, it felt like the home team was on the cusp of taking control.
Alas, it wasn’t meant to be. Despite repeatedly putting the Steelers in third-and-long situations during the ensuing two-minute drill, the Lions couldn’t get off the field. That led to a back-breaking counterpunch touchdown, and the defense seemingly never recovered.
Before we move on from this death blow to Detroit’s playoff hopes, let’s dissect the film to understand better the dichotomy of the first 28 minutes and the final 32.