If there's anything that jumps out the most about Detroit's 3-5 start to the 2018 season, it's how inconsistent they've played, really from week to week.
The same team that thoroughly dominated the New England Patriots and Tom Brady Week 3 is the same team that didn't look like they belonged on the same field as the Minnesota Vikings in Sunday's 24-9 loss.
It's that level of inconsistency that has to be so frustrating for head coach Matt Patricia and his coaching staff.
"I think we do a good job of really trying to cover everything we need to cover to get ready for the games," Patricia said after the loss. "We really work hard and that's the bottom line. There's no replacing hard work.
"So, we just have to go do a better job of it and we have to work harder and make sure that we understand everything that we're trying to do and everything that our opponent is trying to do, and we have to go execute it on gameday.
"We only get one day a week to perform well, all the way across the board coaching and playing, and we just have to get consistent at doing that for the games."
There seemed to be more questions than answers from the players in the locker room at U.S. Bank Stadium after the game Sunday, trying to find some way to explain the reasons for their fifth loss of the season.
"We just have to go out and execute," veteran wide receiver Marvin Jones. Jr. said. "We can't shoot ourselves in the foot. I definitely think we did that today. We just have to get better."
This is an issue that has to get corrected quickly, or the Lions will find themselves in too big of a hole to climb out of, even in a jumbled NFC North.
"It's just happening and we have to fix it," Jones said.
The Lions have to find some level of consistency moving forward, and get away from the crazy highs and lows we've seen through the first half of the season.
THIELEN HELD IN CHECK
One of the few positives to come out of Sunday's game was the job the secondary did in containing Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen to preserve a Calvin Johnson record.
Like Johnson in 2012, Thielen entered Sunday's contest with eight straight 100-yard receiving performances.
Thielen did catch a touchdown in the game, but was held to only 22 receiving yards on four catches.
Thielen and Johnson will hold the record of consecutive 100-yard receiving performances together at eight games.
ANSAH'S RETURN
After sitting out the last six games with a shoulder injury, the Lions got Pro Bowl defensive end Ziggy Ansah back in the lineup Sunday.
Ansah split time with Romeo Okwara, but was able to make an impact. He had a sack on Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins late in the first half at the Lions' 21-yard line that forced a field goal.
Ansah's sack was the only one in the game for the Lions.
View in-game photos from the Detroit Lions Week 9 game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Detroit Lions linebacker Devon Kennard (42) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay (23) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions offense during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions guard T.J. Lang (76) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker (68) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Kerryon Johnson (33) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Kerryon Johnson (33) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Theo Riddick (25) catches a pass during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) points out a defender during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. (11) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker (68) and Detroit Lions tight end Luke Willson (82) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions center/guard Graham Glasgow (60) and Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver TJ Jones (13) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions long snapper Don Muhlbach (48) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions punter Sam Martin (6) punts during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Trevor Bates (53) on special teams during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions long snapper Don Muhlbach (48) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Devon Kennard (42) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive tackle Damon Harrison (98) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Devon Kennard (42) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive tackle A'Shawn Robinson (91) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Nevin Lawson (24) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tackle Rick Wagner (71) and Detroit Lions guard Kenny Wiggins (79) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions offense during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Frank Ragnow (77) and Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker (68) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions guard Kenny Wiggins (79) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. (11) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Theo Riddick (25) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Kerryon Johnson (33) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. (11) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. (11) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. (11) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. (11) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions center/guard Graham Glasgow (60) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions long snapper Don Muhlbach (48) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tackle Rick Wagner (71) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tackle Rick Wagner (71) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tackle Rick Wagner (71) and Detroit Lions guard Kenny Wiggins (79) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions center/guard Graham Glasgow (60) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions kicker Matt Prater (5) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive back Quandre Diggs (28) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Devon Kennard (42) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay (23) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions safety Tavon Wilson (32) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Nevin Lawson (24) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay (23) intercepts a pss during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay (23) intercepts a pss during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay (23) intercepts a pss during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defense celebrates an interception by Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay (23) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defense celebrates an interception by Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay (23) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions center/guard Graham Glasgow (60) and Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Kerryon Johnson (33) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Kerryon Johnson (33) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Kerryon Johnson (33) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) points at the line of scrimmage during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions guard T.J. Lang (76) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions offensive line during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tackle Rick Wagner (71) and Detroit Lions guard T.J. Lang (76) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws a pass during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Theo Riddick (25) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions center/guard Graham Glasgow (60) and Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Theo Riddick (25) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. (11) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. (11) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions guard Kenny Wiggins (79) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Theo Riddick (25) lined up as a slot receiver during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Da'Shawn Hand (93) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive back Quandre Diggs (28) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Nevin Lawson (24) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay (23) intercepts a pass during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back LeGarrette Blount (29) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back LeGarrette Blount (29) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions offense during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) makes a diving catch during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions offense during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions punter Sam Martin (6) kicks off during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Nevin Lawson (24) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions safety Charles Washington (45) on kickoff coverage during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Brandon Powell (10) fields a kickoff during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Brandon Powell (10) returns a kickoff during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Theo Riddick (25) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Theo Riddick (25) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) scrambles during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Theo Riddick (25) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions long snapper Don Muhlbach (48) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions safety Glover Quin (27) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) chases Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive tackle Damon Harrison (98) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay (23) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions offense during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. (11) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back LeGarrette Blount (29) and Detroit Lions running back Kerryon Johnson (33) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Theo Riddick (25) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive tackle A'Shawn Robinson (91) recovers a fumble during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
EXTRA POINTS
- Defensive tackle Damon Harrison continues to play well for the Lions. He led the defense with six tackles and also had a tackle for loss.
- Football can be a strange game sometimes. The Lions had more first downs than the Vikings (18-17), won the turnover battle (2-1), and had the advantage in time of possession (36:45-23:15), but still lost the game by double digits.
- Of course giving up 10 sacks, a 70-yard run, a defensive touchdown and going 0-for-3 in the red zone does explain some of that.
