Scouting the Lions

December 27, 2013 at 5:16AM
Detroit Lions running back Reggie Bush (21) runs during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Giants in Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Detroit Lions running back Reggie Bush (21) runs during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Giants in Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

ABOUT THE LIONS
RECORD: 7-8

• The Lions were eliminated from the playoffs after a 23-20 loss to the Giants last week. They started the season 6-3.

• Detroit has lost five of its past six games by a combined 32 points.

• The Lions offense is third in total offense (401.9), but it is also 31st in giveaways (34).

• Detroit's defense is fourth in the NFL in rushing defense, allowing 94.8 rushing yards per game.

• WR Calvin Johnson is second in the NFL with 1,492 receiving yards and 11th with 84 receptions.

• The Lions defeated the Vikings 34-24 in the season opener at Ford Field.

PLAYER SPEAK
RB REGGIE BUSH

• Bush is 26 rushing yards away from his second career 1,000-yard season.

• Bush has lost four of his five fumbles this season, with three occurring in the past five games.

• He has 191 total yards in the season opening victory over the Vikings (90 rushing; 101 receiving).

• On the late season collapse: "It's tough, disappointing. A lot of things but those come to mind first because it's been such a roller coaster kind of year."

COACH SPEAK
JIM SCHWARTZ

Schwartz is in his fifth year as Lions head coach (29-50).

• On preparing his team with his job status in question: "There's so much scrutiny and so much media coverage that if you let that affect the way you do your job, you're not going to be successful very long and you're not going to be consistent."

• On whether this game is meaningless: "Regardless whether you're playing for a playoff spot there's still a lot to play for. … That doesn't sound like much of an accomplishment when we were thinking playoffs and division, but we got a chance at an 8-8 record and go 5-1 in the division."

• On Sunday's stakes: "I don't really matter. I'm part of this team, so I think the team goals and what's at stake with the team is the most important thing."

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