Lions almost win

When the clock struck 0:00, the score was 23-13 and the Detroit Lions had lost another game to the Minnesota Vikings.

It would be easy to critique this Detroit team and the problems it has. After all, they gave up a 72 yard pass to Randy Moss in the last minute of the half, let Moe Williams run 62 yards after having the Vikings pinned back by their own end zone, and allowed Kelly Campbell to catch a 72 yard touchdown pass.

In addition, the special teams had two holding penalties and a false start on one punt attempt, which gave Minnesota great field position to start a drive.

However, I won't get into any of that right now, I just want to be positive.

On the plus side, the Lions came out ready to play and scored the first 10 points of the game.

Even when the Vikings did decide to score, they could not finish it off with the extra point.

On the other hand, the Lions gave up a 71 yard pass to Randy Moss towards the end of the half, and the defensive back, Andre Goodman, did catch up to him (because the ball was underthrown) and tackled him short of the end zone where the Vikings only got a field goal.

In fact, when Moe Williams ran 62 yards from deep in his own territory, he was tackled before he could score, too.

Daunte Culpepper was held to a 7 for 13 day with no passing touchdowns.

Of course, he did run two touchdowns in by himself and was hurt in the second quarter after a Detroit linebacker hit him in the back and bruised him enough to knock him out of the game. Nonetheless, Culpepper had no passing touchdowns.

The Lions had all of 77 yards rushing. I believe this is the best they have done all year running the ball, which proves that they are getting better, little by little.

On another positive note, Ford Field is a first class facility. They don't have to play any more games at the Pontiac Silverdome, and the Lions are great hosts and great guests.

They hosted the Vikings Sunday, and they treated their guests fantastically, giving the Vikings a win.

Also, they are guests who never win on the road, at least for the last couple of years, so the home fans leave the game happy.

The Lions, at 1-2, also have the same record as the Green Bay Packers in their division. Sure the Packers are ahead because they beat the Lions (great guests)in Green Bay, but technically they are tied at one win apiece.

Hey, Green Bay couldn't beat the Arizona Cardinals in Arizona, and the Lions did beat the Cardinals in Detroit.

Finally, the Lions get to travel out west for two games. They get to play the Denver Broncos and the San Francisco 49ers.

As good as they are to their opponents' fans, these are lovable Lions that will be welcomed in those two great cities.

As you can see, it was easy to find a silver lining in this Detroit Lion season so far.

Seriously though, Steve Mariucci's honeymoon with the fans will end shortly if no progress is being shown.

The only bright spot seems to be the pickup of Dre' Bly in the secondary. He has an interception in each of the three games and has looked good.

I'm trying to stay positive, but the Lion players make it awfully difficult.

It looks like it's going to be another long year.