The Detroit Lions are doing something they haven’t done since 1956. They have started 5-1 going into Sunday’s matchup against the Atlanta Falcons (3-3). The 1 p.m. game at Ford Field will be televised by FOX.
Although the Lions are coming off their first loss of the season, fans around Eastern Michigan University are still optimistic the Lions will finish this season in the playoffs.
EMU student and long-time Detroit Lions fan Imani Freeman, said he still expects his beloved Lions to make the playoffs this season.
“I’m confident the Lions will make the playoffs this season,” Freeman said. “The recent acquisition of (running back) Ronnie Brown, from the Eagles, will create a more balanced attack for our offense.
We have a better chance winning the time of possession battle that will keep our defense resting on the sideline, keeping the opponents defense on the field. With our defense rested we will be better equipped to stopping the run.”
Freeman put light on the struggling run defense the Lions have had. The Lions are ranked 25th in the NFL running, averaging 90.8 yards. Their run defense is ranked 26th in the NFL, letting opponents rush 5.2 yards per attempt and 129.5 yards per game.
“Our poor run defense was partially exposed in the Kansas City game before Jamal Charles tore his ACL,” Freeman said. “Then, San Francisco fully exposed our run defense.”
Frank Gore, the 49ers running back, carried 15 times, running for 141 yards and scored in Sunday’s win against the Lions.
Their defense gave up 203 yards on the ground and 7 yards per carry.
The Lions rushing attack ran for 66 yards, averaging 3.7 yards per carry.
It was only a week ago when the Lions were celebrating a successful Monday-night outing against defending NFC North Division rivals and defending division champions, the Chicago Bears.
It was the Lions first Monday night game in 10 years. The game at Ford Field was nationally televised and was sold-out in the first hour.
This week has been a much different week than last week for the Lions and their loyal fans. After Sunday’s game, much was made of the ruckus that happened between Jim Harbaugh and Jim Schwartz. The incident showcased two coaches losing their cool for a moment.
Ibrahim Haugabook, a student at EMU who also claims to be a loyal Detroit Lions fan, said the incident was a cheap shot on Harbaugh’s part. He also liked how Schwartz retaliated.
“I liked how Jim Schwartz handled himself,” Haugabook said. “He didn’t back down; he was leading by example. It was like he was telling his players not to back down and to be tough.”
Harbaugh appeared to shake Schwartz’s hand aggressively and shoved him away with his other hand.
Schwartz retaliated by chasing after Harbaugh and bumping into him. He was separated by a 49ers player and other media people that were around the coaches.
“Jim Harbaugh needs to learn how to handle himself with better class,” Haugabook said.
Lions’ fans on campus are still happy with what the Lions are doing and still have faith the season will end up in the playoffs even after the loss to San Francisco.
Robert Saxman, a sophomore resident adviser for Walton Hall, said he’s just glad the team is finally out of its slump.
“They have a few more wins under their belt,” Saxman said. “They’ve started to believe in themselves more. I’m just glad they’re out of their slump.”
Chris James, a freshman majoring in journalism at EMU, said he expects the Lions to be like the Patriots in a couple of years, adding they might win two or three Super Bowls with this young team.
“I think it’s a pretty good season, so far,” James said. “They’ll be a playoff team. This recent loss will help them learn from their mistakes. They’ll lose a couple of more games this season, but I think they’ll still make
it to either the second round of the playoffs or the NFC Championship.”
Haugabook said: “Playoffs, for the Lions, is an understatement. We are going for the Super Bowl, and winning it. I expect this team to win a division title, conference title, and league title. We are young and ready.”
