Detroit Lions Have No Answer for Kansas City Chiefs Offense

The Detroit Lions are nothing if not entertaining.

No, not in a football sense, but Detroit has proved that tragedy plus distance—albeit geographically—does in fact equal comedy.

All phases of the game were laughable in London during the Kansas City Chiefs' 45-10 trouncing. The Detroit special teams' coverage units gave up large returns, there were numerous costly penalties, and the offensive coaching change resulted in 10 points.

But it was the defense that provided the sidesplitting punch lines this week.

How the Mighty Have Fallen

Last year's defense was the catalyst for a rare playoff run in Motown. Whether the unit misses Ndamukong Suh and DeAndre Levy or overachieved in 2014, the results have been drastically different this season.

"

The Lions allowed 30 unanswered points in Week 1. They allowed 22 unanswered points in W7. Now they've allowed 30 unanswered points in W8.

— Kyle Meinke (@kmeinke) November 1, 2015"

The unanswered-points number finally came to rest at 38 when wide receiver Lance Moore hilariously rolled into the end zone with a little more than seven minutes left in the game.

The two teams combined for an incredible display of comedic timing. The Chiefs provided the tension, and Moore gave the crowd relief with his touchdown tumble.

He'll Do Anything for a Laugh

No player was safe from sporting a dunce cap.

Ezekiel Ansah, usually Detroit's best defensive player, got in on the gaffes on Kansas City's first touchdown.

"

De'Anthony Thomas might be the fastest player on the field. This one wasn't even close. TOUCHDOWN. #DETvsKC #NFLUK https://t.co/MKOSEtuE6y

— NFL (@NFL) November 1, 2015"

The defensive end's job is to set the edge against the run. Here, Ansah seemed to outsmart himself, deciding that nobody would run such a play while letting De'Anthony Thomas escape to the outside.

But James Ihedigbo wasn't to be outdone. He's a jester in the truest sense, and here you can see the strong safety team up with Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith to bring down the house:

"

Alex Smith just ran while carrying a football for 49 yards. FORTY-NINE yards. Yep. #DETvsKC #NFLUK https://t.co/nZ91CfrYme

— NFL (@NFL) November 1, 2015"

These are just two examples of Detroit defenders willingly playing the fool. While they may not be adept at winning games, you can't question their commitment to a good joke.

Misdirection Is the Foundation of Funny

In all seriousness, the blame (or credit in this context) doesn't rest entirely on the field. The coaching staff must take a bow after writing such a script, because whenever the Chiefs zigged, the Lions zagged for the sake of a laugh.

Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images

Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin's game plan was belly-busting from the beginning. Instead of challenging Smith to beat his secondary deep, the Lions allowed the Chiefs to throw all the short passes they wanted, which is their preferred route of travel.

Then, with all of the success Kansas City had with wide receiver screens and running back flares, you would assume that Austin would alter his scheme to account for those two plays. He didn't. One particular play saw the Lions rush five defenders but still ignore Charcandrick West as he slipped out toward the sideline.

It's just that type of misdirection that kills in the comedy clubs.

Detroit now has two weeks to prepare for a trip to Lambeau Field and an offense much better than Kansas City's. While there hasn't been any official word yet, rumors are starting to spread that there might be a name and uniform change in the works before Detroit heads to Green Bay:

"

Forward down the field! https://t.co/AowFzg8rVE #lions #LOLions #fireeveryone pic.twitter.com/oTzLzoVzlE

— Rob Bates (@bates_rob) November 1, 2015"

All jokes aside, Sunday's game confirmed what you already knew: The Lions are a laughingstock.

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.