Detroit’s leader reflects on the defeat, emphasizing lessons learned and resilience ahead of playoffs.
A Tough Loss After a Stellar Run
The Detroit Lions, riding high at 12-2, still hold the best record in the NFC and remain in strong contention for home-field advantage in the playoffs. However, their 48-42 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday has introduced questions about their consistency and readiness for the postseason.
Beyond the scoreboard, the defeat was compounded by injuries to key players. Running back David Montgomery suffered an MCL injury, and defensive contributors like Alim McNeill, Carlton Davis III, and Khalil Dorsey were all ruled out for the season. With these setbacks, the pressure on Detroit’s offense, led by quarterback Jared Goff, has never been higher.
Goff’s Historic Performance Overshadowed by Team’s Struggles
Jared Goff had a historic showing against Buffalo, throwing for 494 yards and five touchdowns—a feat never before achieved in an NFL loss. Despite his individual brilliance, the Lions couldn’t overcome a sluggish start that left them playing from behind throughout the game.
Reflecting on the game, Goff admitted the team lacked its usual energy early on:
“I thought we ran into a team that played pretty dang well against us, and we didn’t play as well as we can. They came out and got after us early. We were sluggish on offense, and we’re playing from behind all game,” Goff explained.
This marked Detroit’s first loss in three months, snapping an 11-game winning streak and serving as a stark reminder of the challenges ahead.
A Reality Check and a Call to Recalibrate
For Goff, the loss wasn’t just a disappointment—it was a wake-up call.
“Maybe it’s a good wake-up call for us,” he said. “Nice little recalibration for us. Now we get to go on the road. It’s us against everyone else again. Come together, get a bit tighter, and move on.”
Acknowledging the unpredictability of the NFL, Goff highlighted the importance of consistency:
“Nobody in this league is immortal. You can be beaten on any given week. You have to make sure you come with your A-game, no matter who it is.”
Taking Accountability
While head coach Dan Campbell shouldered responsibility for the loss, Goff emphasized that it was a shared burden.
“It’s on us to make sure we’re ready to play,” he said. “Sure, he’s the head coach, and I love when he takes accountability, but we’ve got to get ourselves ready. They came out and punched us in the mouth. We responded, but it was too little, too late.”
Bright Spots Amid Adversity
Even in defeat, there were moments to celebrate. One highlight was Goff’s touchdown pass to offensive lineman Dan Skipper, a play the team had rehearsed all week.
“That was cool. It wasn’t like we were trying to force him the ball—it just happened that way. He made a great play,” Goff said.
The Road Ahead
The Lions now face a challenging stretch, starting with a road game against the Chicago Bears. They’ll also travel to San Francisco before closing the season at home against the Minnesota Vikings, in what could be a decisive game for the NFC playoff picture.
Despite the setback, Goff remains optimistic:
“We respond well. We know how to respond. Dan [Campbell] leads the charge, and we will respond this week,” he assured.
With the playoffs looming, the Lions understand that every game matters. Their loss to the Bills may have been a setback, but as Goff pointed out, it’s also an opportunity for growth and resilience.
Key Takeaway: The Lions are determined to use this defeat as a catalyst, regrouping and refocusing for the critical weeks ahead.
