Lions pivotal play of the game: Fourth down fail leads to game dagger

The Detroit Lions drop their Thanksgiving game to the Houston Texans and this week pivotal play put the game out of reach for a comeback

With the Detroit Lions’ one, and only, nationally televised game of the season, they looked very mediocre in the process of losing 41-25 to the Houston Texans on Thanksgiving.

The Lions had no answers for Deshaun Watson today. He was able to pick apart the Lions defense, shredding them for 318 yards and four touchdowns as well as 24 yards rushing. The Texans only finished with 77 rushing yards total, but Will Fuller more than made up the difference with 171 yards and two touchdowns.

The Lions offense offered no favors with conservative play calls and back-to-back-to-back turnovers that led to 13 Texan points. The Lions were not able to fully take advantage of a Texans run defense that was allowing over 150 yards on the ground, but they did gain 109 yards on the ground — at the end of the day, it felt more empty than effective.

The Lions were down 23-14 at the end of the first half, still within arms reach of the Texans. When they came out of the half, they spent nearly eight minutes rushing the ball, yet only came away with three points — that is not a recipe worth keeping.

Unfortunately, that was not even the worst part of the second half. A play that completely summarizes the coach Matt Patricia era is something that will haunt your dreams at night.

With the Lions down 34-17 and forced to go for it on fourth down, they dialed up one of the worst plays imaginable — A fullback carry straight into the teeth of the defense.

With only needing a yard to go to keep the drive alive early in the fourth quarter, out of everything in the playbook, they drew up a carry to Jason Cabinda and netted no gain. Not an ideal time to give Cabinda his first carry of the season.

To add insult to injury, on the Texans’ first play ensuing the takeover on downs, Watson found Fuller wide open for a touchdown, putting the dagger in the Lions’ turkey and ending any chance of a potential comeback.

If you were shaking your head on this play, don’t worry, you are not alone.

The Lions have now blown a lead four times in the last five games, creating a lifeless atmosphere that brings into question, how long will this organization let this go?

The Lions have an extended break to face off against division opponent Chicago Bears on the road December 6th, and for all intents and purposes, this season is all but done for the Lions. The organization needs to take a long hard look in the mirror and need to either fish or cut bait because doing nothing is not doing them any favors.

Lions fans are frustrated, and rightfully so, but it appears they’re not alone: