Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings: 5 Halftime Adjustments for the Lions

What in the world happened to the Detroit Lions offense? 

Over the first two weeks of the season, Detroit's offense and defense have been equally impressive. But as the defense has come out firing on all cylinders, the offense has come out flat in basically every phase of the game. 

The Vikings opened up a big lead at the end of the half. Here are some adjustments that Matthew Stafford and the Lions need to make to turn things around. 

1) First-Quarter Yards: -7

Come on, guys. For Jim Schwartz, this has to be unacceptable. The Lions need to string together some first downs not just for points, but for a little bit of confidence. 

2) Don't Cut Off Your Nose to Spite Your Face

Hey, Schwartz! Yeah, I'm talkin' to you. You better not give up on the run game. This game is early and there is plenty of time to get Jahvid Best or even Maurice Morris going. When you have a weapon like wide receiver Calvin Johnson, you absolutely must be able to set up the pass with the ground-and-pound. 

3) Silver Crush-in It

Ndamukong Suh and Co. are in business today and Donovan McNabb surely knows it. The Vikings offensive line is far from what it used to be and if the Lions offense isn't going to get things going, a big play on defense may be enough to hold off Minny.

4) Enough with Big Plays

Percy Harvin's end-around, McNabb scrambling for a first down, Adrian Peterson's 43-yard run and his TD run: These were all big plays that kept the Lions defense on the field. The offense isn't playing well enough for the defense to keep shooting itself in the foot. They need to get off the field and give Stafford more time to get going.

The Lions are doing plenty on offense, but these big-play leaks have to be plugged. Another score and this game could get out of hand. 

5) Set Up the Screen

Jahvid Best is a playmaker. He hasn't gotten a ton of time to show it simply because of past injuries, but he is an all-around threat. Whether it be inside the tackles, running outside or catching passes out of the backfield, Stafford needs to get the ball in his hands.

I suggest the Lions start calling more screen passes and letting mammoth blockers, like Brandon Pettigrew, pave the way for the shifty runners.