Biggest Takeaways from Detroit Lions' Week 2 Loss

Every time the Detroit Lions seemed to finally turn a corner against the Minnesota Vikings, something happened.

The Vikings did do enough to win this game.

Adrian Peterson went over 100 yards for the first time this year by running hard. The defense harassed Matthew Stafford and draped itself over the wide receivers (sometimes literally).

But there was also a feeling that the Lions were actively getting in their own way. From turnovers to missed throws, Detroit covered every base on its way to 0-2.

The act of securing defeat instead of fighting for victory isn't new in Detroit, and it will certainly have some fans shouting that things never change. Since you're already here, you might as well click through to find out what all the yelling is about.

The Offensive Line Needs Help

Ann Heisenfelt/Associated Press

You won't find any articles focusing on the new and improved offensive line these days. The evidence proffered through the first two weeks doesn't support any arguments for the angle.

Instead, it's possible all five linemen are brought up on battery charges, if not attempted murder. The line as a whole was an accessory before the fact in causing great bodily harm. It may not have been intentional, but it was certainly negligent.

The Vikings were able to run through and around the line without interference en route to eight quarterback hits. There were also the countless times they were able to break through and cut off rushing lanes before the backs could make it through.

Additionally, the zone-blocking scheme clearly doesn't agree with Cornelius Lucas, as he was beaten a few times. It's unclear if the return of LaAdrian Waddle will heal what ails them, but it can't get much worse.

Matthew Stafford Is a Soldier

Ann Heisenfelt/Associated Press

While the offensive line was busy spinning around trying to catch the number of that bus that just hit Matthew Stafford, the latter was peeling himself off the turf.

Repeatedly.

The blood spots started spreading in the first quarter. The anguish on his face was noticeable just as early, with the concern growing to will-he-make-it-out-alive levels in the second half. Unsurprisingly, it was reported after the game that Stafford underwent X-rays on his chest and ribs, per Jennifer Hammond of Fox 2 Sports Detroit.

Despite all of the pain, hits and pressures, Stafford soldiered on. There were some inaccurate throws and one interception where he threw it before realizing the defender was five yards in front of him, but his will to win and leadership were on full display.

Stafford connected on plenty of short and intermediate throws, completing over 60 percent of his passes for 286 yards and two touchdowns. It wasn't a great game. Yet considering the environment he played in, it was actually quite solid.

If nothing else, it prepared him for next week when the Denver Broncos bring DeMarcus Ware and Von Miller to Ford Field.

Turnovers Are Back in a Big Way

Ann Heisenfelt/Associated Press

The reason Stafford won't get any love for a better-than-you-think performance? Turnovers.

There was Lance Moore having the ball taken from him right when Detroit looked to be gaining some offensive momentum after scoring just before half.

Then Theo Riddick gave the ball after a five-yard run. It doesn't help that both of those fumbles happened on the Lions' side of the field.

There was also that dreadful Stafford interception.

And don't forget about defensive end Jason Jones lining up in the neutral zone when Peterson fumbled into the end zone. That play alone was a seven-point swing.

Detroit had chances to win this game, but there were too many mistakes, especially with turnovers. Head coach Jim Caldwell likes a conservative game plan that limits those errors. However, if the offense won't be aggressive and is still going to turn the ball over, how does Caldwell propose to keep pace with Peyton Manning next week?

Teryl Austin Is Outsmarting Himself

Paul Sancya/Associated Press

A few months ago, defensive coordinator Teryl Austin was considered a visionary. We lauded him as one of the biggest returning stars for the Lions.

And rightfully so. Austin took an OK defense and turned out one of the top three units in the league using an array of formations, blitzes and coverages.

Now it appears he's outsmarting himself and overthinking his schemes.

As Jeff Risdon of RealGM tweeted out, Austin failed to cover the A-gaps (both sides of the center) when the entire stadium knew what was coming: "Again, neither Lions DT playing the A-gap...on 1st & goal from the 4 with Peterson in the backfield."

Then there was a 3rd-and-8 where Josh Bynes was forced to run across the formation to cover the opposite flat. It was an easy catch-and-run for a first down by Kyle Rudolph. There's no reason to expect Bynes to be able to complete that task. Or any linebacker for that matter.

We're only two games in. Austin deserves time to observe and understand his personnel and make adjustments accordingly. But Detroit better hope he figures it out quickly, because the next three games bring Peyton Manning, Russell Wilson and a red-hot Carson Palmer.

The Problems Are Still Fixable, but Is It Too Late?

Associated Press

Lions HC Jim Caldwell

As was discussed on the turnovers slide, this game was winnable.

The Lions found themselves down just seven points after a rough first half. Then said turnovers started to change the complexion of the game.

Inexplicably, Detroit was only down two scores with a couple of two-point conversions late. Then it took 18 plays for the offense to move down the field, eating up four-and-a-half minutes of precious time.

But we also saw the offense shred the Vikings right before halftime. Stafford and his receivers were sharp while offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi pulled all the right strings. So this team is capable but not consistent.

The defense also has concerns, some of which will be relieved when DeAndre Levy finally suits up. Of course, he's not a cure-all, and the defensive line needs to find a new identity, but a slight improvement could go a long way if the offense improves.

There can't be any delay, though. The schedule is about to get incredibly tough, meaning the slow start could snowball into a forgettable season without legitimate improvement across the board.