NFL Detroit Lions

Discipline Key To Detroit Lions Defeating New England Patriots In Week 12

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By @travisto989

Joique Bell carries against the Patriots

Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Lions took a tough loss on Sunday to the NFC-leading Arizona Cardinals. Despite shutting the Cardinals’ offense down for much of the second half, the Lions were unable to capitalize on a few opportunities to tie the game. It was a low scoring affair, and both teams played hard. Sadly for the Lions, the Cardinals just executed better.

This is not the end of the road the Lions. Despite losing to the Cardinals, the Lions still sit in control of their own destiny. Instead of dwelling on a tough loss, the Lions need to start looking ahead to their next big challenge of 2014.

The Lions must stop the penalties that had a lot to do with their most recent loss. They gave up nine penalties against the Cardinals in Arizona. You can’t expect to get wins on the road giving up 80 yards in penalties. The first step in rebounding against the New England Patriots is getting back to playing disciplined football.

In order to beat Tom Brady, the Lions’ secondary is going to have to play much better than they did against Drew Stanton. Cassius Vaughn made a heads-up interception, but he also gave up a touchdown on a ball that wasn’t even very well thrown. Vaughn has the potential to be a great nickel corner, but he has to be more consistent in making plays on the ball.

The Patriots’ defense is good, and the Lions’ offense cannot afford another lackluster performance. It all starts in the trenches, too. The Lions’ offensive line was creating holes in the run game but still failed to protect Matthew Stafford as well as they should. A miscommunication between Stafford and Dominic Raiola killed the Lions’ last shot to tie the game this past week, and that situation cannot repeat itself. If the Lions’ offensive line elevates their play, so will the entire offense.

In order for the Lions to do well against a good Patriots team, they need to figure out how to score a few touchdowns. Joe Lombardi has to help his team’s offense get in a rhythm. Although the Patriots’ defense isn’t great, it also isn’t bad. They are better against the run than they are the pass, so Stafford needs to be at his best to elevate his team. Stafford has to reconnect with Golden Tate, and Calvin Johnson has to be Megatron.

The Lions are in for one of the biggest challenges of the season, but they still have a good shot to win. The Patriots are going to be tough, but the Lions can head home with a win if they play smarter football.

Travis Newville is a Detroit Lions writer for www.RantSports.com. You can follow him on Twitter @travisto989, or Like him on Facebook here. Add him to your Google network.

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