Give the Detroit Lions a Sympathy Win

*Originally published on 9/23/09


I really feel bad for the Detroit Lions. Going an entire season without winning a game is bad enough, but they ended the season on a low note and they haven't won either of the two games this season. They have a 20 something losing streak going. Somebody should show some mercy and just let them have one.

I know, it goes against the general principle of sports, but this is just sad. Throw this team a bone, This is going to start affecting their self esteem if this keeps up. I'm surprised that the players haven't slipped into a bout of depression.

You could argue that, just from a statistical point of view, they're bound to win a game eventually. I mean, they can't go two seasons without a win...could they? I didn't think that they could go 0-16, but they did. I figured that with a clean slate, they would be able to pick themselves up and start fresh. That doesn't seem to be the case as they are currently 0-2.

While a loss will affect the team's stats, in the grand scheme of things, it won't be that big a deal. If anything, you'll be able to be proud of the fact that you offered a glimmer of hope to some people who really needed it. Detroit really needs it. They really, really need it.

I doubt one of the division leaders would be willing to throw a game, but the teams that already have a loss could do it with no real damage. As the season progresses, that one game will become less and less significant. Right now, it's tough since the next game will represent a third of your performance statistics. With each passing week, one game will have less and less of an impact on your overall standing in the division.

Normally, I would never suggest a team purposely lose a game, but this is a case of extenuating circumstances. Detroit needs some help. Right now they're so downtrodden that a loss almost becomes a self fulfilling prophecy. They're beaten, downtrodden, and downright defeated. They need someone to take a hit so that they can feel like they have a chance of actually becoming a respectable team again.

Think of it like a variation on the slaughter rule. Eventually, you get to the point where you're just rubbing it in and running up your stats. One loss won't be that big a deal for you. A win for Detroit would be awe inducing. It's been so long since they've felt the joy of victory, I think they've been pummeled enough.

I'm not a Detroit fan, but it's just gotten so pitiful that I think someone should step in and toss these guys a rope so that they can at least try to pull themselves out of this sad state. It was funny at first, but now it's just sad, so sad.