Detroit Lions film review: A necessary autopsy of an early playoff exit
Allen Park — When death is unexpected, it calls for an autopsy. In these instances, humans desire explanation and turn to measured dissection to determine reason.
The Detroit Lions' postseason loss to the Washington Commanders was unquestionably an unexpected death. The Lions won 15 games, earned the right to a bye week for rest and recovery, and were hosting an opponent with a rookie quarterback and subpar defense in one of the league's more hostile environments. There was a reason they were favored by nearly 10 points ahead of Saturday's kickoff.
But those expectations crumbled, giving way to mourning. Like the 58 previous iterations, these Lions will not make it to the Super Bowl. And we're left asking ourselves, 'Why?'
So, hand over the scalpel. Let's slice up the film to determine the various causes for this catastrophic failure before fully embracing the offseason and what's next for this franchise.
And what better place to start than the heart of the defeat, Detroit’s five turnovers?