NFL Power Rankings, Week 16: Steelers back to life, Cowboys stumble

NFL Power Rankings, Week 16: Steelers come back to life, Cowboys stumble

By Randy Gurzi | Dec 17, 2018

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 16: Members of the Pittsburgh Steelers defense reacts after an interception by Joe Haden #23 in the fourth quarter during the game against the New England Patriots at Heinz Field on December 16, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

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BUFFALO, NY – DECEMBER 16: Kenny Golladay #19 of the Detroit Lions celebrates after scoring a touchdown with Andy Jones #17 in the second quarter during NFL game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on December 16, 2018 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

25. Detroit Lions (24)

This season has gone downhill for Matt Patricia. The former defensive coordinator for the New England Patriots came over and tried to instill the “Patriot Way.” That included him trying to change the culture and make them a more mentally-tough football team. Early in the season, that led to a surprising victory over his former team, but far too often they’ve looked more like the team we saw lose 14-13 on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills.

All 13 of the Lions points came in the second quarter, with their first one being a touchdown pass to Andy Jones. What made this one important was the fact that Sam Martin struggled with the snap on the extra point attempt. Unable to get it down, Martin scrambled to his right but ended up throwing the ball away. That proved to be the difference in the game as the missed opportunity for a point led to the 14-13 loss.

This will be an interesting offseason in Detroit after this year. A lot of people have been critical of quarterback Matthew Stafford, who again had a decent game when looking at his numbers, but didn’t make enough big plays. He finished with 208 yards and a touchdown on 22-of-29 passing, but the team managed to score only twice. That sums up why they’re now 5-9.

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