Lions still struggling against NFL's elite

By Noah Trister

Associated Press

Published: Monday, Sept. 17 2012 4:10 p.m. MDT

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Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) is sacked by San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aldon Smith (99) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in San Francisco, Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012. San Francisco won 27-19.

Tony Avelar, Associated Press

Summary

With a chance to take over sole possession of first place in the NFC North, the Detroit Lions had a hard time putting the ball in the end zone against San Francisco's tough defense.

ALLEN PARK, Mich. — With a chance to take over sole possession of first place in the NFC North, the Detroit Lions had a hard time putting the ball in the end zone against San Francisco's tough defense.

The 27-19 loss to the 49ers on Sunday night raised more questions about whether Detroit belongs among the NFL's elite. Last season, the Lions won 10 games, but none of their victories was against a team that finished above .500. This season seems to have started with a similar pattern: Detroit edged St. Louis in the opener before losing on the road against the playoff-tested 49ers.

The Lions play at Tennessee on Sunday. Quarterback Matthew Stafford admitted after the loss to San Francisco that the offense hasn't hit its stride.

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