The Detroit Lions’ 27-24 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday was a complete disaster, and the alarm bells are ringing loud and clear. After coming off a bye week, the last things you want to see are sloppy play, injuries, and a loss. Unfortunately, all three of those became a reality as the Lions’ offensive line struggled mightily to protect quarterback Jared Goff.

Goff faced relentless pressure throughout the game, experiencing the highest rate of pressure he’s seen all season. His well-documented issues when under duress were on full display as he seemed rattled. Despite a nice play where he managed to escape pressure to connect with running back David Montgomery, Goff missed multiple opportunities due to defenders in his face. Goff has typically handled the blitz well, especially with solid protection from the offensive line, but this time the Vikings’ blitzes overwhelmed both Goff and the blockers, leaving the QB scrambling.

Adding to the struggles, Goff was sacked five times—a season-high and tied for the second-most sacks in his career. This marked the most times he’s been sacked in a Lions uniform, matching the sack count from the 2023 loss to the Ravens. Historically, Goff’s teams have never won when he’s been sacked five times or more (0-4), and the Lions had a similarly dismal record (3-15) in such games with former QB Matthew Stafford.

Of course, it wasn’t all on the offensive line. Offensive coordinator John Morton also has some accountability for play calling, and Goff’s execution could have been sharper. While his passing stats—284 yards, two touchdowns, and no turnovers—may look fine on paper, they don’t tell the full story. The running game, despite the talents of Jahmyr Gibbs and Montgomery, was nonexistent. The two combined for only 78 yards on 25 carries, with Montgomery’s longest rush being just 11 yards. To make matters worse, Montgomery fumbled during a critical play deep in Lions’ territory.

The offensive line’s poor performance wasn’t isolated to just the offense. Late in the game, a field goal attempt by Jake Bates was blocked and returned by the Vikings for 41 yards, leading to another Minnesota field goal and a six-point swing.

Injuries only compounded the issue for the Lions. Four out of five starting offensive linemen ended up in the medical tent or the locker room. Penei Sewell, the star tackle, had to leave the field twice—once for an eye injury and again for a shoulder issue that required a brief stint in the locker room. Both Taylor Decker (knee) and Tate Ratledge (shoulder) were helped off the field but did return. Unfortunately, second-year guard Christian Mahogany suffered a knee injury, was carted off, and didn’t return.

Head coach Dan Campbell was pessimistic about Mahogany’s status, suggesting he would be out for an extended period. Decker’s knee injury could also keep him sidelined for additional time, especially since he has had recurring issues this season.

In the end, Sunday’s game was a nightmare for the Lions, and it’s hard to point to many positives across the board. The simple truth is this: the success of the Lions’ season hinges on the performance of their offensive line. With the way things are trending—poor performance and a growing list of injuries—it’s fair to wonder if the Lions’ hopes for a successful season are beginning to slip away. With the trade deadline approaching on November 4th and only nine games remaining, there’s still time to turn things around, but if this game is any indication, Lions fans have every reason to be concerned.