LIONS’ WIN STREAK SHATTERED IN HIGH-SCORING LOSS TO BILLS
The Detroit Lions suffered their second loss of the 2024 season on Sunday evening, falling to the Buffalo Bills in a dramatic 48-42 shootout at Ford Field. The defeat snapped Detroit’s 11-game winning streak and showcased the firepower of MVP frontrunner Josh Allen, who outdueled a Lions team that struggled to keep pace.
Dan Campbell Takes the Blame
After the game, Lions head coach Dan Campbell addressed the media, shouldering the responsibility for the loss.
“We just didn’t play at the same level that that team did today. … Honestly, I put this on me, man. I just didn’t feel like I had them ready to go. Not like we’ve been [in previous games],” Campbell admitted during his postgame press conference.
The Lions, who came into Week 15 with a 12-1 record, were outgunned by the Bills’ dynamic offense, led by Allen. Buffalo’s quarterback continued to make his MVP case with another stellar performance, picking apart Detroit’s defense and capitalizing on every opportunity.
Campbell’s Risky Call Backfires
Known for his aggressive coaching style, Dan Campbell made a bold decision in the fourth quarter that ultimately backfired. Trailing by 10 points with just 10 minutes left, Campbell opted for an onside kick instead of kicking deep and trusting his defense to make a stop.
The gamble proved costly as Bills wide receiver Mack Hollins recovered the onside kick and returned it to Detroit’s 5-yard line. Josh Allen and the Bills wasted no time, scoring a touchdown to extend their lead to 17 points, effectively sealing Detroit’s fate.
While the Lions managed to cut the deficit to 48-42 in the final minutes, their second onside kick attempt was also recovered by Buffalo, ending the game and securing the victory for the Bills.
Looking Ahead
Despite the loss, the Lions remain in a strong position with a 12-2 record and control of the NFC North. They’ll look to bounce back in Week 16 when they take on the Chicago Bears next Sunday at Soldier Field.
For now, the Lions must regroup and learn from their missteps as the playoffs loom closer. The defeat, while disappointing, serves as a reminder that there’s no room for error against elite competition.
