Detroit Lions

Here's the big difference between Lions' first half, second half of 2015

Published Dec. 29, 2015 12:05 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Detroit Lions started the 2015 season with just one win in their first eight games. Since their bye in Week 9, however, the Lions have gone 5-2.

The difference between the Lions' first half and second half of the season is simple: the team has committed fewer turnovers.

Via Lions senior writer Tim Twentyman:

Quarterback Matthew Stafford has only thrown two interceptions since Week 10, after throwing 11 in the first eight games of the season. The Lions' only other turnovers since the bye have been a fumble by Stafford against the Green Bay Packers in Week 13 and a fumble by rookie running back Ameer Abdullah against the New Orleans Saints in Week 15.

The Lions have done a much better job protecting the ball under interim offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter than they did under his predecessor, Joe Lombardi. Although they won't admit it, head coach Jim Caldwell and company probably regret not making the switch from Lombardi to Cooter sooner.