The Detroit Lions special teams didn’t look so special Sunday afternoon against the Minnesota Vikings.
After starting the 2011 season 5-0 and making their first playoff appearance since 1999, the Lions now staring at a 1-3 record. One would question if it’s the offense or defense’s fault for the bad start. But in this case it’s actually the special teams who are playing below average. The Lions special teams have given up a punt return touchdown and a kick-off return touchdown two weeks in a row.
“We deserve to be 1-3,” said Lions Head Coach Jim Schwartz.
The Lions struggled, not to mention the two dropped passes in the end zone by Calvin Johnson and Brandon Pettigrew which kept the Lions trailing the whole game. Or giving up another 100+ rushing yard performance to running back Adrian Peterson, the Lions have a couple things that have to work on in order to get out of this hole. Hopefully with the bye week the Lions have, they will have enough time to work out the kinks in special teams and rush defense in week six for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Lion’s receiver Nate Burleson also noted that this would be a good week to regroup and focus on next week.
"This team has two weeks to think about how terrible we feel. I want us to ... not enjoy our bye," said Burleson.
"I want us to have our minds on football, foaming at the mouth ready to get back because that's what we need. We need to play with that violent passion that we had last year and the year before."
