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The Lions. of course, are staring up the east face of K2 as they contemplate the second half of their season. To entertain any thoughts of the postseason, they have to either run the table or finish 8-1, and let’s just say that doesn’t seem likely based on what we’ve seen to date.

The larger question, however, concerns the substance of this team. Are the Lions, as their record suggests, simply a bad, bordering on atrocious outfit, or is there something there? You know, something that can be shaped and moulded into a winning squad?

Claybrooks believes there is. He also believes the Lions have improved since the start of the season and maybe there’s something to that.

The next question is, compared to what? The Leos might have upgraded some personnel areas but, in crunch time, their deficiencies have been exposed to a glaring degree.

In no particular order, their biggest problems this season have been protecting Reilly, generating a pass rush of their own and horrendous special teams play.

Guess what? In the fourth quarter this season they’ve surrendered 14 sacks while generating just four themselves.

As for special teams, the misadventures started in the first game and have included a successful onside kick by the Stamps in the last minute, Thigpen’s kickoff return, a key 57-yard punt return by the Ticats’ Frankie Williams in the final minute of the loss in Hamilton and Sayles’s blocked punt and touchdown.

When they correct those areas, you can start taking the Lions seriously.

“We’ve shown we can play with anyone,” Claybrooks said. “But can we finish with the best?”

Claybrooks was asked if he has something to prove over the final nine games of this season.

“We have something to prove because we’re 1-8,” he said.

And in football, you are what your record says you are.

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