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If you were looking for a Detroit Lions score from last night, the silence from Ford Field probably told you everything you needed to know. There wasn't a game. While the NFL playoffs are currently tearing through the divisional round, the Lions are back in Allen Park, watching from the couch. It’s a bitter pill to swallow for a fan base that spent most of the last two years believing this team was a permanent fixture in the January conversation.
Honestly, it feels weird. For the first time in a while, the "Same Old Lions" talk has started to creep back into the local bars. It’s not fair, but that’s the reality of a 9-8 finish.
The Lions officially wrapped their 2025-2026 campaign back on January 4, 2026, with a gritty 19-16 win over the Chicago Bears. That score stayed on the ticker for a few days, but once the Wild Card round kicked off last weekend, it became a relic. Instead of Jared Goff leading a drive under the lights last night, we’re seeing news about coaching searches and "what-if" scenarios.
What Happened to the Playoff Hype?
Most people expected the Lions to be the ones hosting a home game right about now. Instead, the NFC North was represented by the Bears and the Packers in the Wild Card round. The irony? Detroit actually beat those Bears in their final game. They did their part in Week 18. Jake Bates, who has been a absolute godsend for this special teams unit, nailed a 42-yarder with two seconds left to seal that 19-16 victory.
But a win in January doesn't always mean a playoff berth.
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The Lions finished fourth in a division that turned into a meat grinder. You had three teams with nine or more wins. That’s insane. Usually, 9-8 gets you a seat at the table, or at least a chance to fight for one. This year, the tiebreakers were a nightmare. The Vikings also finished 9-8, but because of the way the divisional records shook out, Detroit was the odd man out.
- Final Record: 9-8
- Divisional Record: 2-4
- Last Game Score: 19-16 (Win vs Chicago)
The real damage was done during that mid-season slump. Losing to the Vikings in late December and dropping a heartbreaker to the Steelers in Week 16 essentially killed the momentum. By the time the Detroit Lions score from last night would have mattered, the math had already turned against them.
The Search for a New Offensive Identity
Since there wasn't a score to report from last night, the biggest news coming out of Detroit right now is the hunt for a new Offensive Coordinator. Ben Johnson's departure has left a massive hole in the staff. You can't just replace that kind of play-calling chemistry overnight.
Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes are currently interviewing candidates, and the names flying around are interesting. We’ve heard reports about the Lions looking at coaches with previous ties to Jared Goff. It makes sense. Goff is 31 now; he’s not a developmental project. He needs a system that maximizes his timing and his rapport with Amon-Ra St. Brown.
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St. Brown was the lone bright spot in that final game against Chicago, racking up 139 yards on 11 catches. He’s the engine. But without a creative play-caller, even a Ferrari stays in the garage.
Why the Defense Gives Us Hope
If you're looking for a reason to stay optimistic while watching the Rams or the 49ers play, look at Aidan Hutchinson. He spent a good chunk of the last year recovering from that nasty tibia/fibula fracture he suffered against Dallas in 2024. He came back this season and, while he wasn't 100% at the start, he finished like a man possessed.
In that Week 18 game, Hutch recorded a sack and a tackle for loss. He’s the heart of that defense. On a recent appearance on ESPN’s "Postseason NFL Countdown," he was pretty blunt about why there wasn't a Detroit game last night. He mentioned that the team failed to play "complementary football" in the big moments.
He’s right.
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There were games this season where the offense would put up 30 points and the defense would fold. Other weeks, the defense would hold an opponent to 16, and the offense would disappear. To win in January, you need all three phases to show up at the same time. The Lions just couldn't find that rhythm in 2025.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The 2026 opponents are already set. Because the Lions finished fourth in the North, they actually get a slightly "easier" slate on paper for next year. They’ll be facing the fourth-place teams from the AFC South (Tennessee), NFC East (Giants), and NFC West (Arizona).
That could be the cushion they need to get back to double-digit wins.
Brad Holmes has also been vocal about the roster. He’s not regretting the trade for Isaac TeSlaa, but the offensive line needs "urgent" attention. We saw it in the Bears game—Goff was under duress way too often. If you can't protect the quarterback, the score from last night will always be zero because you won't be playing.
What to Watch This Week
- OC Interviews: Keep an eye on the flight trackers. The Lions are moving fast to fill Ben Johnson's shoes.
- Free Agency Rumors: With the cap situation looking decent, expect Detroit to be aggressive in the secondary.
- Draft Prep: The Senior Bowl is right around the corner. Holmes loves finding gems in the mid-rounds.
It’s a long off-season. It feels even longer when the division rivals are still playing. But the foundation isn't crumbled; it’s just being reinforced. The next time you're searching for a score, hopefully, it's because the Lions are deep in a Super Bowl run.
Check the official Lions team site for updates on the coaching search. Keep an eye on the injury reports for the secondary players heading into the spring. Focus on the upcoming NFL Draft big boards to see which offensive linemen might be available at Detroit's current pick slot.