The Lions moved the ball well against a stout Steelers' defense last Sunday night, but when they got to the red zone, the offense stalled.
"There's no magic to it," head coach Jim Caldwell said Monday. "It's just strictly working at what you're doing, getting better, execution has to be better. We didn't execute as well as we're capable."
The offense has played well in spots this year, but will need more consistency moving forward.
"We're definitely looking to play a complete game for the first time this year," guard T.J. Lang said Thursday. "I think (Monday) is a good time for it."
PREPARING FOR THE PACKERS
The Lions are heading to Green Bay for just their second division game of the season.
It will be former Packer T.J. Lang's first trip back since signing with the Lions this offseason.
"I thought about it a little bit," Lang said. "I don't think it was a relationship that ended on bad terms. Certainly not from my end. You never know with fans, obviously. Division rival. They kind of forget pretty quick how long a guy played there.
"It is what it is. I don't look for cheers or boos. It doesn't matter to me. It isn't going to affect my mindset."
This outing at Lambeau Field is going to be a little different than year's past, as quarterback Aaron Rodgers won't be leading the Packers' offense. With Rodgers on IR, that job is Brett Hundley's. How much will that affect what the Packers are able to do?
"There have been some tweaks, but nothing too crazy," Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson said in a conference call Thursday.
"It's staying true to yourself and not changing anything you do. I don't like it when people come out and say, 'Everybody has to do a little bit more.' If you can do a little bit more now, why weren't you doing a little bit more earlier."
For Mike O'Hara's full scouting report on the Packers, click here.
DECKER RETURNS TO PRACTICE
Left tackle Taylor Decker made his return to the practice field this week after missing the start of the season on the PUP list.
Decker was a participant in practice all week. The Lions have three weeks from his first day back on the field to activate him to the roster.
"It's a progression for him," Caldwell said. "Glad to have him back obviously, but when he'll play depends upon when the doctors feel good about his progress and where he is, but good to have him out there."
With the season at the midway point, it seems the Lions are getting healthy at the right time. If they're going to make a run, they'll need all hands on deck. Or legs, in punter Sam Martin's case.
Martin came off the Non-Football Injury list last week to play on Sunday Night Football. He still has some rust to shake off, but was happy with his performance overall.
"Obviously I had the one mishit," Martin said. "I'm chalking that up as just a rookie mistake, if you will – just getting back in there and rushing myself. I have to let that one go. "My first two punts, I was very pleased with. And I had six touchbacks. So overall, obviously, that third punt was not very effective, but I'm just happy to be back. It felt good to be back there."
OTHER NOTEWORTHY ITEMS:
- What's better than talking with one T.J.? Talking with two! Check out wide receiver TJ Jones on this week's episode.
- Catch up on all the news from Teryl Austin's and Jim Bob Cooter's Friday press conferences.
- You asked. Now watch kicker Matt Prater your fan-submitted questions in the latest #AskALion.
