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5 Takeaways From Detroit Lions’ Week 17 Loss

5 Takeaways From Detroit Lions' Week 17 Loss

Jim Caldwell Lions
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Needing a win to clinch a first-round bye and an NFC North crown, the Detroit Lions once again stumbled in Lambeau Field, losing to the Packers 30-20. Some of the usual problems, like poor offensive line play and poor special teams, once again doomed Detroit. Here are five takeaways from Detroit's Week 17 loss.

5. Detroit's Secondary Was Overmatched

Randall Cobb Packers
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5. Detroit's Secondary Was Overmatched

Randall Cobb Packers
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Detroit's back four predictably struggled against Aaron Rodgers at home. Both Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb had field days against an over-matched secondary with Cobb catching four passes for 80 yards and two scores and Nelson catching six passes for 86 yards.

4. Detroit's Pass Rush Was Non-Existent

Aaron Rodgers Packers
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4. Detroit's Pass Rush Was Non-Existent

Aaron Rodgers Packers
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With Aaron Rodgers hampered by a strained calf, the Lions should have taken advantage of Rodgers' immobility, but the defensive line barely touched Rodgers. The Lions only mustered one sack on Green Bay, and could not take advantage of a less than healthy Rodgers.

3. Detroit's Offensive Line Was Dominated

Travis Swanson Lions
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3. Detroit's Offensive Line Was Dominated

Travis Swanson Lions
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With three-fifths of their starting offensive line out for most of this game, the Lions' offensive line struggled once again. Detroit gave up only two sacks, but Matthew Stafford was hurried all game long, and allowed Green Bay to get a crucial safety late in the game.

2. The Run Defense Had Its Worst Day Of The Season

Eddie Lacy Packers
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2. The Run Defense Had Its Worst Day Of The Season

Eddie Lacy Packers
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Detroit had not allowed a 100-yard rusher this season, but the run defense had its worst day of the season. Eddie Lacy and James Starks gained most of Green Bay's 152 yards rushing, and things won't get any better next week when the Lions face DeMarco Murray and the Dallas Cowboys.

1. Matthew Stafford Can't Beat Good Teams On The Road

Matthew Stafford Lions
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1. Matthew Stafford Can't Beat Good Teams On The Road

Matthew Stafford Lions
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Although Matthew Stafford threw for three touchdowns and zero interceptions, Matthew Stafford struggled against a winning team on the road. Stafford completed just 20 of 41 passes, and even missed eight passes in a row during a stretch. Stafford is now 0-16 on the road against teams with a winning record.

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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