The Carolina Panthers defense was better Sunday. That’s not saying much, but at least they forced more than zero punts like they did during meaningful game time against the Steelers. In fact, they forced six Lions punts.
In a vacuum, there might be some reason for optimism after the defense held their opposition to 20 points and 309 yards of total offense, even in a loss. But we’re not in a vacuum. The Lions entered Sunday’s game playing some of the worst football in the NFL. Quarterback Matthew Stafford had been sacked 16 times in the previous two games.