Detroit Lions Week 5 Stock Report

There's no quick way to get over a hollowing loss. 

The Detroit Lions' loss to the Seattle Seahawks is the type that drains a fanbase and divides locker rooms. Especially when it drops a team to 0-4 after arguably the league's most challenging early schedule.

But those games are gone, and now the Lions must sharpen their shovels to dig themselves out. Sorry, I couldn't resist.

Actually, this team is in a much better position than the 2008 squad that went winless. The defense finally looks to be rounding into shape, but the offense, however, is still hopeless.

So click through to find out which players are on the rise and which are trending down with the Arizona Cardinals on the horizon.

Stock Up: DE Ziggy Ansah

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Consistency and an inability to make the big plays at pivotal moments has killed Detroit. Whether it's a jump ball on fourth down or a missed deep throw along the sideline, the Lions have continuously come up short.

Except for Ezekiel Ansah.

The former first-rounder notched a pair of sacks on the elusive Russell Wilson. He even threw in a strip and fumble recovery with his second takedown, setting Detroit up with great field position, which the offense would eventually squander.

But that negativity doesn't belong here. Ansah is fourth among 4-3 defensive ends in run-stop percentage, according to Pro Football Focus, meaning he has a habit of blowing up running play at an incredible rate. His ability to anchor the right side has proven invaluable while the middle of the defense sorts itself out.

Ansah's pass-rushing display in Seattle needs to be a catalyst for him. He's been outshone by the likes of Jason Jones and Haloti Ngata on passing downs this year, so this could be a huge boost to the defense if he is starting to hit his stride.

Stock Down: TE Timothy Wright

Elise Amendola/Associated Press

Tim Wright might catch a couple kudos for that slick catch on Detroit's last drive, but any such praise must be followed up with a stern admonishment for his blocking.

No, Detroit didn't bring in Wright to handle those duties. Brandon Pettigrew was supposed to do the heavy lifting while Eric Ebron chipped in.

But injuries pushed Wright into the spotlight, and the result was Jimmy Graham-esque. There was a whiff on Cliff Avril that killed a drive and a general disdain for any physicality at the point of attack.

Although some of the blame must be shifted from Wright. The guys with the headsets and laminated dinner menus could have avoided that situation entirely. It's called coaching.

It should be noted that Ebron wasn't much better, failing to chip Avril before running a delayed drag. But Ebron has showed steady improvement this season. Wright has been so bad that fans can't be blamed for pining over Joseph Fauria.

Stock Up: DT Tyrunn Walker

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Fortune has been especially cruel to Detroit.

Not only was a season-saving victory snatched from its grasp, but the defense suffered a huge blow after watching an offseason win blossom over the past month.

That's the only way to describe Tyrunn Walker's signing.

Quite simply, you'll find Walker wherever you find the ball. He might penetrate and funnel the linebacker on one play or pursue along the line of scrimmage before stonewalling a rusher's cut back. And he's tied for the team lead with eight quarterback hurries, according to PFF, carrying his impact past rushing downs.

However, Walker's season came to an end Monday night. He's set to be a free agent this offseason with plans of cashing in after showing off his wares in Detroit's attacking scheme. Now it remains to be seen if he has enough tape to warrant a long-term offer, and if Detroit will be the one to give it to him.

Stock Down: HC Jim Caldwell

Rick Osentoski/Associated Press

We've reached the point where head coach Jim Caldwell's loyalty has gone from reassuring to ridiculous.

It was reasonable to give offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi some leeway after his first season. He had a full offseason to see his mistakes, correct them and, most importantly, mold his scheme to the talent on hand.

Instead, Lombardi has continued to run so many of the same sets that Jon Gruden, Monday Night Football's color analyst, actually predicted a rushing play before the snap based solely on the formation.

The evidence has reached such an incredible level that we can no longer blame Lombardi. It's not his fault that he's allowed to continue operating in this fashion.

That falls on Caldwell for his unwillingness to curtail Lombardi's authority. Loyalty is only valuable when checked by logic and reason. This decision boasts neither.

Stock Up: DE Devin Taylor

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If Devin Taylor's inactive designation against the Vikings despite being healthy was meant to be a wake up call, it appears Taylor is now up and alert.

It's not often that one goes from benched to balling, but Taylor was one of Detroit's best defenders against Seattle.

The third-year defensive end provided immense pressure—one sack, one hit and four quarterback hurries—along with solid run defense to help anchor the front line in the face of injuries to Tyrunn Walker and Haloti Ngata.

Plus, this was Taylor's second consecutive strong performance. He set the edge well against Denver, helping bottle up C.J. Anderson and Ronnie Hillman.

Taylor could be enjoying the breakthrough many thought would come last season. His continued improvement will give Detroit options heading into free agency and a bookend for Ziggy Ansah.

All advanced stats, rankings and grades are courtesy of Pro Football Focus.

Brandon Alisoglu is a Detroit Lions Featured Columnist who has written about the Lions on multiple sites. He also co-hosts a Lions-centric podcast, Lions Central Radio. Yell at him on Twitter about how wrong he is @BrandonAlisoglu.