Detroit Lions coach Matt Patricia speaks to the media on Monday, Dec. 2, 2019, in Allen Park. Dave Birkett, Detroit Free Press
A four-point loss to the Chicago Bears. A three-point loss at Washington. A one-point loss at Green Bay.
The Detroit Lions 3-8-1 and eliminated from playoff contention. Yet they’ve been competitive in every game this season, with several narrow losses and just one loss by more than a touchdown: a 42-30 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in October.
So, yes, that’s encouraging.
But as the old saying goes, close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.