DETROIT -- The Detroit Lions may not be trying to tank. A combination of roster depletion, talent deficit and questionable coaching seems to be doing that anyway.
It’s odd personnel usage, like playing LeGarrette Blount over a more productive Zach Zenner. It’s dubious play-calling, like draws on third-and-long. It’s an end-of-first-half Hail Mary that sapped all momentum from the Lions in a 27-9 loss to the Minnesota Vikings that clinched a double-digit losing season for the first time since 2012.
Sunday was an amalgam of all the issues Detroit has had during a season that can’t be labeled as anything other than a disappointment.