Offense makes the highlight shows. When the Lions beat eventual NFC Central champion Tampa Bay two weeks later, Aldridge ran a fumble back 21 yards for a touchdown. In Game 12 against the Redskins, the offense faltered. But the defense had two interceptions, five sacks and two fumble recoveries. But the pendulum swings both ways.
Defensive breakdowns result in losses.
They had a 10-0 lead late in the first half, when Warrick Dunn got free on a screen pass for a long gain. The Bucs scored a touchdown to make it 10-7. In a four-game losing streak at the end of the regular season, the rushing defense collapsed. Chicago ran for 104 yards. Denver gained 204.