Detroit Lions' Early-Season Meltdown a Sign of Badly Needed Coaching Changes

The Detroit Lions laugh in the face of adversity. Not due to an inner confidence, but rather an inability to understand what's happening.

How else can you explain the 0-5 start?

There's talent on every level of the roster. Even the offensive line, which was recently determined to be the worst position group by Pro Football Focus (h/t Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press), has guard Larry Warford.

Yet this team is falling apart at the seams.

"

The Lions benched their franchise QB, benched their 2nd round starting RB, kicked a FG down 28, and are losing by 32 at home.

— Ian Kenyon (@IanKenyonNFL) October 11, 2015"

The Arizona Cardinals' season-killing 42-17 thrashing can be summed up in one sentence: This game ended with Dan Orlovsky dueling with Drew Stanton. And there weren't any quarterbacking injuries. 

Quite simply, it was the cresting of a wave that should wash away an overmatched coaching staff. 

Paul Sancya/Associated Press

Offensive Offense

Optimism abounded for offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi this offseason, causing a tortured fanbase to dream of Drew Brees-like success for Matthew Stafford. Instead, the following played out against Arizona, as noted by NFL.com's Albert Breer: 

"

Matt Stafford standing by himself, no helmet, down the sideline. Also, something just happened with Tate in the huddle. Pulled of the field.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) October 11, 2015"

After head coach Jim Caldwell opted to get aggressive on fourth down, Calvin Johnson carried his route down the field while Stafford threw a back-shoulder pass. Arizona cornerback Patrick Peterson was the only one on the right page, ending Stafford's day after the signal-caller's third pick.

It's a theme that has carried over from 2014. Whether it's the players or the scheme being too complicated, the results have been eerily similar this season.

Well, there has been one difference. Stafford already has eight interceptions in five games after tossing only 12 last year. As if to tack on even more humiliation, Sunday's loss also brought three fumbles—Ameer Abdullah had two and Golden Tate one—and another interception by Orlovsky late.

"

(1) Strangely enough, Joe Lombardi may be the guy you put the LEAST amount of blame for this game. Players were at fault for turnovers on O.

— Alex Reno (@alex_reno) October 11, 2015"

The running game wasn't to be outdone, though. The Lions averaged 3.2 yards per carry on their way to 57 yards, which is their second-highest rushing output of the season. No further explanation should be required here to express how dire these straights truly are.

Paul Sancya/Associated Press

No Change Equals No Progress

Caldwell has become almost defiant regarding his team's approach. Commitment can be commendable, until it literally defines irony.

"

From earlier: Jim Caldwell: We're close, even if you can't see it http://t.co/CT2d8otRxg via @freep

— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) October 2, 2015"

Detroit hasn't thrown in more than a wrinkle or two since the beginning of the season. Outside zone runs have dominated the play-calling along with screen passes and quick outs to Megatron. Nick Pursel of PrideofDetroit.com deftly breaks down one series here:

"

Three straight screen passes

— Nick Pursel (@Nick_Pursel) October 11, 2015"

That lack of imagination has doomed Detroit to the offensive doldrums, waiting for an unforeseen wind to carry the Lions over the goal line. If you were wondering, that's how a team goes 18 straight possessions without earning in an offensive touchdown.

Despite the futility, Lombardi has proved he won't deviate from his scheme. He'd rather go down calling five-yard drags for Johnson. How else do you explain Corey Fuller being the only receiver with a reception of 40 or more yards?

Now, in a twist of irony that only Alanis Morissette could love, change may be the only thing that can keep Caldwell employed, as detailed by NFL journalist Benjamin Allbright:

"

Caldwell's only chance to save his job is to fire the woefully overmatched Lombardi and take over.

— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) October 11, 2015"

Caldwell won't do it, though. He's already had numerous opportunities over the previous 20 games to alter his team's approach in an effort to produce more points. What's one more chance going to do?

And if general manager Martin Mayhew doesn't chuck up the deuces to Lombardi and Caldwell soon, he'll find himself included in that group as well, regardless of the talent he's put together.

Brandon Alisoglu is a Detroit Lions Featured Columnist. He also co-hosts a Lions-centric podcast, Lions Central Radio. Yell at him on Twitter@BrandonAlisoglu.