That good feeling the Detroit Lions generated for themselves and their fans when they ended last season with a 31-0 victory over the Green Bay Packers carried over for about four plays of this year’s first preseason game.
That’s when the offense began to implode, and the defense got manhandled by the New England Patriots in a 31-3 loss that was not one bit closer than the final margin indicated.
The Lions simply misfired on an opportunity to launch Matt Patricia’s second season as head coach with some momentum against the defending Super Bowl champs.
What we learned is that it’s a new season every year, no matter how the last one ended or what moves have been made in the offseason in the draft and free agency. What looks good on paper – and what the Lions did in the offseason looked very good – has to be proven on the field.
Among the other things we learned: The injury risk is present with every step on the playing field, even in a supposedly meaningless preseason game; that the depth the Lions have been trying to build still might be a work in progress; and that Patricia had no regard for the score when he threw the challenge flag late in the game.
We start with the Lions fizzling:
Things looked good for the Lions for a bit. Tom Savage, starting at quarterback in place of Matthew Stafford, connected with slot receiver Brandon Powell on third down with a pass that went for 24 yards and a first down at the Lions’ 45.
It was a sharp pass, and a good catch and run by Powell, who showed late last season that he might have a place on the roster as a valuable role player.
And that’s when the brakes came on. There was the first of nine sacks on first down, then a holding penalty against left guard Kenny Wiggins that wiped out a good run by rookie running back Ty Johnson. The possession imploded and ended in a punt.
That was about it for the Lions’ offense. They finally got on the board with a field goal with just over two minutes left in the game.
Before that, they’d given up nine sacks, got only one in return by their defense, and had a net of 21 yards passing – with 81 yards in sacks deducted from the 102 yards Savage and David Fales threw for combined.
The final spread in offensive yards was 459-93 in favor of the Patriots.
“Obviously, a long night for us,” Patricia said. “Not the way we wanted it to go.”
The 9-1 discrepancy in sacks might have been one of the worsts lines on the stats sheet. It showed how thoroughly the Patriots dominated the game.
“You want to win up front,” he said. “Those guys did a good job up there. We have to do a better job on our side of the ball defensively.
Depth chart: It’s a reality, not an excuse, that the Lions played without most of their top defensive linemen. That might be one reason the pass rush was almost nonexistent.
But the projected starting offensive line played the entire first possession, and veteran backups played extensively. The nine sacks allowed should be a concern about depth until proven otherwise. That goes for the entire roster.
“Guys who had an opportunity tonight, they have to go out, and they have to play well,” Patricia said. “That’s the bottom line. It’s your opportunity to go out and show us what you can do.”
View photos from the Detroit Lions vs. New England Patriots Preseason Week 1 game at Ford Field on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit.
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) takes the field for a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) warms up before a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker (68) warms up before a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Ty Johnson (38) smiles before a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back C.J. Anderson (26) and Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia before a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Tom Savage (3) warms up before a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tight end Logan Thomas (82) warms up before a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions safety Miles Killebrew (35) warms up before a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Andre Chachere (36) warms up before a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson (88) warms up before a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Danny Amendola (80) warms up before a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tommylee Lewis (14) warms up before a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Amani Oruwariye (46) warms up before a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay (23) warms up before a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive back Quandre Diggs (28) warms up before a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions center/guard Graham Glasgow (60) in the tunnel before a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) in the tunnel before a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) and Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker (68) in the tunnel before a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions take the field during introductions before a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions take the field for a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions safety Miles Killebrew (35) on special teams during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) at midfield for the coin toss before a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Tom Savage (3) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Jamal Agnew (39) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson (88) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Ty Johnson (38) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tight end Jesse James (83) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions safety Tavon Wilson (32) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defense during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions special teams during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (44) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Frank Ragnow (77) and Detroit Lions quarterback Tom Savage (3) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Jahlani Tavai (51) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Ty Johnson (38) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (44) celebrates a tackle during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions safety Miles Killebrew (35) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Brandon Powell (10) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tight end Jesse James (83) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Tre Lamar (59) and Detroit Lions linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (44) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions safety Miles Killebrew (35) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive back Tracy Walker (47) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay (23) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Justin Coleman (27) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions safety Tavon Wilson (32) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive end Romeo Okwara (95) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions safety Tavon Wilson (32) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions safety Tavon Wilson (32) and Detroit Lions defensive back Tracy Walker (47) celebrate a tackle during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive end Romeo Okwara (95) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive tackle John Atkins (99) and the defense during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions safety Charles Washington (45) makes a special teams tackle during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive end Eric Lee (55) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (44) makes a special teams tackle during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions long snapper Don Muhlbach (48) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Frank Ragnow (77) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Brandon Powell (10) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Frank Ragnow (77) and Detroit Lions guard Kenny Wiggins (79) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (44) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions punter Sam Martin (6) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive tackle John Atkins (99) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Oday Aboushi (76) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Amani Oruwariye (46) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions guard Joe Dahl (66) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive end Mitchell Loewen (70) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Tyrell Crosby (65) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive end Mitchell Loewen (70) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive end Eric Lee (55) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions long snapper Don Muhlbach (48) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Anthony Pittman (57) on special teams during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson (88) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Jamal Agnew (39) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions safety Tavon Wilson (32) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback David Fales (8) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Zach Zenner (34) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Mike Ford (38) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (44) celebrates a pass breakup during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions safety Andrew Adams (24) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions fans during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions fans during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tight end Logan Thomas (82) makes a special teams tackle during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions fans during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions safety Tavon Wilson (32) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Zach Zenner (34) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Ty Johnson (38) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive end Eric Lee (55) rushes the passer during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions safety Miles Killebrew (35) on special teams during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 n Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback David Fales (8) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Brandon Powell (10) returns a kickoff during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tight end Logan Thomas (82) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Anthony Pittman (57) on special teams during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive end Eric Lee (55) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive tackle Kevin Strong (62) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions safety Will Harris (43) and Detroit Lions linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (44) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Tre Lamar (59) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions fans during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Anthony Pittman (57) rushes the passer during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Anthony Pittman (57) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions punter Ryan Santoso (2) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions safety Andrew Adams (24) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions guard Joe Dahl (66) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions long snapper Don Muhlbach (48) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Andre Chachere (36) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive end Mitchell Loewen (70) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Tyrell Crosby (65) and Detroit Lions center/guard Graham Glasgow (60) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback David Fales (8) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Ty Johnson (38) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Oday Aboushi (76) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback David Fales (8) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Brandon Powell (10) fields a punt during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive end Mitchell Loewen (70) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tight end Jerome Cunningham (86) on special teams during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback David Fales (8) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions safety Charles Washington (45) on special teams during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback David Fales (8) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Anthony Pittman (57) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions punter Ryan Santoso (2) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tom Kennedy (85) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive tackle Kevin Strong (62) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tight end Austin Traylor (87) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Mike Ford (38) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions safety Miles Killebrew (35) during a NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
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One man’s opinion: After a performance like Thursday night, any player competing for a starting job or roster spot has to be glad that this isn’t a year when the NFL played only two preseason games.
Injury bug: The leg injury sustained by wide receiver Jermaine Kearse on the fifth snap demonstrated again that the fortunes of a player and a team can change with every step on the field.
Kearse gave the Lions depth at receiver. He had experience in Darrell Bevell’s offense from their days together in Seattle and has been a reliable veteran with experience in big games.
Patricia also said he is waiting for more information on the injury sustained by Savage on a sack that ended his night in the first half.
Challenge: Patricia threw the challenge flag late in the fourth quarter when he thought there might have been defensive pass interference on a pass thrown to rookie receiver Travis Fulgham. After reviewing the play, the non-call on the field held up.
Patricia said he threw the flag, even with the game out of reach, to get more information on how the officials make the interference call. He’ll get more input from the league on the play in the weekly report.
