Lions film review: Why defense didn't sustain first-half success and explaining PFF's harsh grade of Arnold
Allen Park — As a young reporter, you best believe I used a Dickensian lede a time or two, so I’ll spare you the “best of halves, worst of halves” trope this time. Or did I find the perfect loophole for its utilization through self-deprecation?
Regardless, when it comes to the Detroit Lions’ defensive performance on Thursday, you understand why the cliche was on the brain. The unit almost made it through two quarters without surrendering a first down before conceding a dam-breaking completion with 55 seconds remaining in the half.
After the break, the Chicago Bears found the end zone three of their first four possessions, and despite being pinned at their 1-yard line on the fifth and final series, they worked into range for a potential tying field goal or game-winning touchdown before being undone by a series of self-inflicted miscues.
It’s the perfect setup for this week’s film study. We’ll focus on the drive-ending plays from the first half contrasted against the drive-extending plays of the second to better understand how the Lions let the Bears back into a game.
We’ll also explore rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold's day, more specifically evaluating his Pro Football Focus grade, which was among the roster’s worst despite allowing two catches for 20 yards on eight targets.