NFL Detroit Lions

5 Takeaways From Detroit Lions’ Week 11 Loss

5 Takeaways From Lions' Week 11 Loss

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Facing the NFC-best Arizona Cardinals in Arizona, the Detroit Lions put up a valiant effort but came up short in a 14-6 decision. While there were plenty of positives from this game, there were some negatives that led to Detroit's narrow loss. Here are the five biggest takeaways from Detroit's Week 11 loss to Arizona.

5. The Secondary Held Up Better Than Expected

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5. The Secondary Held Up Better Than Expected

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Outside of two first-quarter touchdowns by Michael Floyd, the Detroit secondary held up well against Arizona's receiving corps. The trio of Floyd, John Brown and Larry Fitzgerald were held to just nine catches for 155 yards on 14 targets.

4. Joique Bell Had His Best Day

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4. Joique Bell Had His Best Day

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Detroit's running game finally came alive against Arizona, and Joique Bell was a major reason why. Facing one of the stingiest defenses in the NFL, Bell ran 14 times and gained 85 yards, including a long of 33.

3. The Bad Matthew Stafford Showed Up

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3. The Bad Matthew Stafford Showed Up

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After directing three straight fourth quarter comebacks, Matthew Stafford was off for most of the afternoon. Stafford completed just 18-of-30 passes for 183 yards and a boneheaded interception in the third quarter. Stafford missed wide open receivers all game and was the biggest reason why the offense sputtered so much.

2. Detroit's Defense Played Well Enough To Win

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2. Detroit's Defense Played Well Enough To Win

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Outside of a bad first quarter, the Detroit Lions' defense showed why they are one of the NFL's top units. Detroit allowed just 46 yards on 26 carries in the running game and managed to intercept Drew Stanton three times.

1. Patrick Peterson Got the Best of Calvin Johnson

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1. Patrick Peterson Got the Best of Calvin Johnson

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In one of the most heavily anticipated one-on-one matchups of the season, Patrick Peterson won his individual matchup with Calvin Johnson. Johnson was targeted 11 times in the contest, but he only came down with five catches for 59 yards and a long of just 11 yards.

Brian Kalchik is a Detroit Lions writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google+.

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