Mike O'Hara

Mistakes continue to doom Detroit

Detroit

Julian Peterson might have wanted to launch into a tirade on the NFL's treatment of quarterbacks as endangered species and how the "Brady Rules" are ruining life for defensive players.

Peterson held his tongue, but his body language, and what he left unsaid, conveyed his feelings on a pivotal play that went against the Lions defense in Sunday's 28-20 loss to the Steelers at Ford Field.

One play didn't win or lose the game. There were enough misplays by the Lions offense and defense to add up to the loss.

But Peterson, the starting strong-side linebacker, made it clear the NFL's treatment of quarterbacks as endangered species makes life difficult for defenses.

The Lions were victims of a "Brady Rules" penalty that wiped out a second-quarter interception by Eric King when defensive tackle Landon Cohen was flagged for a low hit on Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

Instead of the Lions getting the ball at their 41, the Steelers kept possession and drove for a touchdown that increased their lead to 14-6.

'Offense sells'

The Lions aren't the first team to refer to the "Brady Rules" -- what players are calling a tightening of rules dictated by the NFL owners this season to give their coverboy quarterbacks more protection.

The added protection is a reaction to Patriots quarterback Tom Brady being knocked out with a knee injury on a low, legal hit last year in the first quarter of the opening game.

Last week, the Baltimore Ravens were incensed because two crucial calls went against them in a loss to the New England Bradys.

Peterson was upset the Brady Rule was called on Cohen's hit.

"Pretty much," he said. "It's an iffy call. They've got to take a real fine comb with it.

"It's hard to tell a defensive player who's got a guy on his back not to go low -- not hit his (the quarterback's) legs.

"Offense sells tickets. They protect everybody on offense."

Well, maybe the Lions' offensive line should try that. But that's another matter.

The Lions defense felt it had created a turning point early in the second quarter when Cohen, a second-year defensive tackle, broke through to pressure Roethlisberger into a bad throw on a third-down play. King intercepted the errant throw at the Lions 41.

The defense had barely started to dance off the field when the yellow referee's flag ended the celebration.

"I didn't see it on the field," Cohen said.

Major shift

After the game, he still felt the sinking sensation of the abrupt shift in momentum -- from the elation of a turnover, to digging on a defensive stand.

"I have to feel that way," Cohen said. "It's third down. We're off the field."

At this stage of their development, the Lions need a lot of things to go their way to compete on an even basis with most teams, let alone the defending Super Bowl champs. They can't give away turnovers and scoring opportunities, and they can't cave in against a pass rush.

All of those things happened Sunday.

The "Brady Rules" penalty cost them a possession.

They controlled the third quarter with two long possessions that ate up 27 snaps but failed to score.

A missed field goal and an interception on a wild throw by Daunte Culpepper ended both drives.

Meanwhile, the Steelers ran four plays and scored a touchdown.

All of those plays, those momentum shifts, combine to keep the Lions grounded in their ongoing rebuilding process.

Until it turns around, they have to live with it.