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Coach Dan Campbell after the loss.
The 12-1 Detroit Lions became the 12-2 Detroit Lions on Sunday, losing to a super impressive Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen.
And though the home-game loss 48-42, stung, it was the mounting injuries that gave way for bigger concern.
John Niyo of the Detroit News writes:
They lost another anchor on a defense that finally looked unmoored Sunday. And the news that Alim McNeill is likely done for the season — the fear is a torn ACL — was hardly the only gut punch for a team already buckled by injuries.
Campbell also implied the Lions will be without their No. 1 cornerback, Carlton Davis III (jaw) for the rest of the season after he left early in the second quarter of Sunday’s 48-42 loss to the Bills.
“We’ll know more tomorrow,” said Campbell, who looked as weary as he has all season in his postgame press conference. “I don't feel good about either one of those guys.”
Aidan Hutchinson could return sometime in the playoffs, but that's uncertain. Ditto for Alex Anzalone.
If you're worried that the Lions might not make the Super Bowl, let alone win it, you're not alone.
Niyo writes:
If you’ve got a bad feeling about what all this means for the Lions’ postseason hopes, you’re certainly not alone. Because the sheer volume of injuries riddling the Lions’ roster is staggering at this point.
Jeff Seidel of the Detroit Free Press writes:
For months now, the Detroit Lions have overcome a rash of injuries using smoke and mirrors, not to mention some defensive replacements straight off the streets.
But Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen shattered those mirrors on Sunday, exposing all the Lions' defensive weaknesses, leaving them shambles.
The Athletic:
The Lions remain a good football team, but this was a bit of a reality check for them ahead of the playoffs. Their defense, even with some pieces back, is not what it once was. Alim McNeill suffered a knee injury and didn’t return, quickly ruled out. Carlton Davis was evaluated for a concussion and also suffered a jaw injury.
He didn’t return, either. Backup corner Khalil Dorsey also suffered an ankle injury and was carted off. After the game, coach Dan Campbell said Dorsey is out for the year and he didn’t feel good about McNeill’s injury. These are just the latest tough injury blows in a season full of them.
