Detroit Lions Football: Winners and Losers from Lions' Loss vs. 49ers

Well, the Detroit Lions are human after all. Their 25-19 loss in NFL Week 6 to the San Francisco 49ers proved this theory. While it was a losing effort in the end, there were some positives to take away from the game for the Lions.

First and foremost, the Lions are still 5-1. Every fan with any logic knew that the Lions would eventually lose. Sure, starting 5-0 after winning their last four games last season was great for everyone involved. Let's face it, it's almost impossible to go an entire NFL season undefeated.

Secondly, this loss couldn't have come at a better time. With two games before their bye week, the Lions can gain back some of the positive momentum that they may have lost in Week 6. The Lions face the Atlanta Falcons at home in Week 7, and it'll be a true measurement of what this team is made of. A bounce back win against a formidable opponent like the Falcons would be bring a sigh of relief to Lions fans.

The Lions are still a young team learning how to win. Most importantly, they may have learned how to lose on Sunday. The 49ers played a great game, but the Lions had plenty of chances to come out with a win.

Now, Lions fans know what it feels like to lose, but this year, this team hadn't lost yet. They weathered the preseason hype and should be proud of their 5-0 start. The Lions remind one of a teenage boy, full of confidence but still learning how to become a man. Sunday's loss should have given this team some valuable wisdom for the future.

There's 10 games left in the season; this is no time for Lions team members or fans to begin to worry about things of the past. The Lions are a very good team with growing to do. Sometimes a loss can teach a team the most valuable of lessons.

Winner: Detroit Lions' Fans

Ford Field was once again rowdy on Sunday. The San Francisco 49ers were bothered by the noise, as it caused them many false starts during the game. In total, the 49ers committed 15 penalties for 120 yards, yet still found a way to win.

The Detroit Lions have to be thrilled to play in front of a roaring crowd every week. Although the Lions didn't win on Sunday, the fans didn't give up on their team and were vociferous throughout the action.

This type of crowd is here to stay in Detroit, as opponents will have to deal with the decibels week in and week out.

Loser: Stephen Peterman

Detroit Lions Guard Stephen Peterman has played worse in the past, but one play stuck out that didn't sit well.

Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford was stripped of the ball in the fourth quarter. The fumble was recovered by fellow offensive lineman Jeff Backus as he fought off two San Francisco 49ers for the ball. Lions lineman Gosder Cherilus came to Backus' defense in trying to preserve the Lions possession.

Meanwhile, Peterman watched as the two 49ers tried to pry the ball from Backus' hands. Why didn't he help his teammates? This is baffling.

Peterman better be called out for this in film session this week. His actions were purely unacceptable.

Winner: Amari Spievey

Detroit Lions safety Amari Spievey came up with a critical interception near the end of the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 6.

Spievey's second interception of the season led to a Nate Burleson touchdown early in the fourth to give the Lions a 19-15 lead. At the time, Spievey's interception was just what the Lions needed. He also had four tackles during the game.

Spievey's production was a great sign for the Lions considering he missed Week 5 with a hamstring injury. His performance on Sunday proves that he's good to go from here on out.

Loser: Lions Run Game on Both Sides of the Ball

After having a promising game on the ground against the Chicago Bears in Week 5, the Detroit Lions running game was tripped up on Sunday versus the San Francisco 49ers.

After gaining 181 yards rushing against the Bears just six days prior, the Lions were held to 66 against the 49ers.

To make matters worse, the 49ers ran wild on the Lions defense to a tune of 203 yards. As a fan, this was embarrassing to watch. The Lions defense is supposed to be feared, but they're having trouble stopping the run to this point on the season.

The Lions have to become better in all aspects of the run game if they're to become a playoff team.

Winner: Head Coach Jim Schwarz's Decision to Challenge Nate Burleson's Touchdown

The Detroit Lions briefly took the lead in the fourth quarter on a Nate Burleson touchdown. This would not have been so if Lions head coach Jim Schwartz hadn't challenged the initial calling of an incomplete pass because of Burleson failing to complete the "process."

What started as a bad flashback to 2010 Week 1 for Lions fans ended up with a Lions touchdown and a brief lead. 

Schwartz's decision to challenge was a great call. The third year head coach brings an edge to his football team that fans can't help but love.

Loser: The Detroit Lions Didn't Get a Touchdown from Calvin Johnson

Week 6 was the first time that Calvin Johnson didn't score a touchdown for the Detroit Lions this season. Maybe it's no coincidence that the Lions lost.

Johnson still had an impressive game, hauling in seven catches for 113 yards, but didn't put any points on the board. In the end, he did his part. This is the NFL, it's not easy to score at will.

Johnson not finding the end zone in Week 6 shouldn't be of concern for Lions fans—this only means he's due.

Winner: The Detroit Lions 3rd Down Defense

The Detroit Lions were stellar at defending third down on Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers.

The Lions held the 49ers to a minuscule 2-of-14 effort on third down in Week 6. With the 49ers rushing for 203 yards on the game, it's somewhat surprising their third down conversion percentage wasn't better.

Despite a loss, this is a big plus for the defense moving forward.

Loser: The Detroit Lions 3rd Down Offense

As good as the Detroit Lions defense was on third down, the Lions offense was just the opposite. The Lions offense went a pitiful 2-of-15 on third down against the San Francisco 49ers.

The lack of a run game finally bit the Lions in the butt on Sunday. Their one dimensional passing attack didn't get the job done, as quarterback Matthew Stafford felt pressure from the 49ers defense throughout the game.

The Lions coaching staff has to find a way to succeed on the ground. Without a ground game, the Lions don't stand a chance at winning in the playoffs.

Winner: The Detroit Lions Lack of Penalties

The Detroit Lions were constantly flagged for penalties through five weeks of the 2011 NFL season.

Week 6 was a sign of maturation from the Lions for the simple fact that they only committed six penalties for 54 yards. Sure, six still may be too many for some, but it's better than the 12 they committed in Week 5 against the Chicago Bears.

The Lions may not have won the game, but at least they didn't lose it because of penalties. This is a positive sign for the near future.

Loser: Detroit Lions 2-Minute Drill Looked Terrible

There's not much else that can describe the Lions two minute drill other than terrible.

It was uninspired, unorganized and pathetic.

Enough said.

Winner: Kyle Vanden Bosch's Graceful Strip

Detroit Lions defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch wasted little time making an impact in the game versus the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.

Vanden Bosch beat his man and gained the edge as he swooped in and swiped the ball right out of 49ers quarterback Alex Smith's hand on their first play from scrimmage. The play was a thing of beauty—Vanden Bosch's movement looked like he was synced to an orchestra.

Things were looking good for the Lions after Vanden Bosch's marvelous play, although they didn't end so well.

Vanden Bosch is the true defensive leader for the Lions defense, and he'll have to rally the troops this week in practice. 

Loser: Matthew Stafford's Confidence

Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford didn't look loose on Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers. The third-year quarterback threw for 293 yards and two touchdowns, but only completed 56 percent of his passes. Coming into the game, Stafford was throwing 63.6 percent on the season.

Most importantly, Stafford looked lost when he was brought down in the end zone for a safety in the first half. He also looked frozen when he was sacked with under a minute to go with the game on the line. Stafford was also stripped of the ball on another play earlier in the fourth quarter. In total, he was sacked five times and just didn't look like himself on Sunday.

Fans should keep in mind that Stafford is still learning the ropes of the NFL himself. He needs a definite confidence boost in Week 7 at home against the Atlanta Falcons. Look for the Lions coaching staff to devise a plan to get Stafford back on track early in the game next week.