Detroit Lions and 4 Teams Beating Themselves

After a hot start, the Detroit Lions are now reeling with their second straight loss in as many weeks. Is this a sign that the Lions are not true contenders in the NFC?

The answer remains to be seen with so much time left in the season. However, it is not like the Detroit Lions or other teams around the league are suddenly not talented. 

Instead, it is more likely that teams like the Detroit Lions are actually finding ways to beat themselves.

San Diego Chargers

Hasn't this been true of San Diego for years now? Immensely talented roster with a borderline elite quarterback, and yet, they constantly seem to under-perform.

Whereas last season the Chargers allowed their special teams to give games away, this year, the unlikely culprits are the interceptions being thrown by Philip Rivers.

Not taking care of the ball is holding the Chargers back and keeping them from running away with the AFC West. 

Miami Dolphins

Can one little problem be to blame for all of Miami's losses this season? 

No. However, if the Dolphins were not leading the world in dropped passes then who knows what the teams record might be?

It certainly would have helped to change their fortunes against the Broncos in Week 7 and maybe even the Jets the week before.

Regardless of the true impact in terms of wins and losses, it is something that can only be blamed on the person staring at Brandon Marshall in the mirror.

Washington Redskins

The Washington Redskins were off to a promising start and looking to seize control of an NFC East division in disarray early in this season.

Now, that promise has been replaced with injuries, a lack of consistency and a quarterback change. Fans probably should not have been surprised with the switch considering the speculation during training camp about which QB would start the season, and they can be equally curious about which QB will end the season.

The Redskins have proved at different times that there is talent on their roster, and the trick now will be finding a way to let the talent lead them to victories.

Detroit Lions

The whole "Cardiac Kids" routine was working for the Lions early in the season. The Lions have been behind at halftime or going into the fourth quarter for a majority of their games this season.

Whatever it was that was helping the Lions pull out those games may have worn out or run dry for the time being. 

Detroit needs to use their offensive talent to get out to an early lead and then watch their defensive front wreak havoc on a team's attempt to come back through the air.

The Lions have proven that they are not the doormat of the NFL any longer, but they need to start attacking if they want to keep from fading into mediocrity this season.