Others Agree: Lions Punt Was Wrong
By: Mike Stone
The Lions 1-3 start has definitely puzzled and ticked off many of us. The main reason they are in the situation is not tough to figure out. Each of their three units have failed miserably at different times. The special team failures the last two weeks stick out like Bill Maher at a Tea Party convention. The defense as actually been adequate, but adequate does not win in the NFL. The offense to most fans is probably the most disappointing of the three. After all it was this prolific offense that put the league on its ears with its high powered passing game just a season ago. However if you ask me the worst thing about this team has been something that is tough to quantify and that is the mindset of the coaching staff. They appear to be a reactive rather than proactive team thus far. They admittedly subscribe to the we will take what the defense gives us mentality on offense, which is baffling. They seem to be resolute to run the ball at all costs and are reluctant to go down field until they are behind in games. The defense does not seem to be in attack mode and seem to play a bend not break style, which does not lead to turnovers.
This mindset was on display by Jim Schwartz on Sunday in the third quarter, when trailing 20-6 he elected to punt on 4th and 1 from the Vikings 40 yard line. I was incredulous. I asked him about the decision at Monday's press conference and he said, "That wasn't the make or break. We could have lost the game there but couldn't win it there."
That may have been true, but if you get the first down you might be able to at least get in field goal range or dare I say think about scoring a touchdown to cut the lead to either 11 with a field goal or 7 with a touchdown. I think over the bye week it's time for the Lions coaching staff to let go of the reins and be aggressive. They have nothing else to lose.
By the way if you want to read a more detailed analysis of the question to punt or not check out this article by Jason Lisk of TheBigLead.com.
