Stephen A. Smith has harsh words for the Detroit Lions
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The Detroit Lions won their season opener against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday in a close 31-30 overtime victory. One point isn't much, and that's not lost on ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith.
Speaking on ESPN's "First Take," Smith talked about the NFL's opening season. When the topic of the Lions game came about, he didn't mince words. He's flat-out worried about the team.
Stephen A. Smith is concerned about the Lions' defense
The Lions gave up a 21-point lead in their game against the Saints. It was definitely a nail-biter. Now, Smith says the Lions absolutely need a win against the Buffalo Bills on Thursday.
"The Detroit Lions, I am very, very concerned about them," Smith said on the show. "Yeah, you won a game, but you were up 21 to nothing. You gave up that lead. It was tied 24-24."
Smith went on to say that his main concern for the Lions is their defense.
"They have a high-powered offense; I know they had 5 sacks. I know they forced a few turnovers," he said. "That's an improvement based upon last year."
However, Smith says that while their offense is "still potent without Ben Johnson," on the other hand, "their defense has fallen off as far as I am concerned; at least it did last year. They've got to show us that they can be what we thought they were a couple of years ago."
He adds that a few years ago, people were looking at the Lions and thinking this team could go all the way. "Now, we're wondering whether they can win the division and make the playoffs."
That's harsh. But it's also more motivation for a Detroit fan every moment in the game on Thursday.