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Lions vs. Steelers: Brandon Marshall's comments likely to resonate with Detroit

The Lions defense has improved quite a bit from last season as a unit, and accusations of dirty play, kid brother status and even insults toward the economic status of their home city will only serve to motivate them.

By Neal Coolong
Jonathan Daniel

Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall dealt with his team's loss in about as classy a way as possible.

After the Lions - Pittsburgh's Week 11 opponents - defeated the Bears for the second time this season, Marshall not only seemed to create some confusion as to which team should cast as the "little brother," but he attacked the city in which they play as well.

"It's the little brother that, big brother wants to go out and play with his friends and the little brother is annoying, [saying], 'Hey, can I go?' " Marshall said Monday on ESPN 1000 in Chicago. "No, you can't go, Detroit Lions. Sit back. Sit in your little city. Fix your financial problems and all of that, you know. You can't come with us right now."

Talk about hitting below the belt.

Needless to say, multiple Lions have expressed some animosity toward Marshall and his comments.

Are they the kinds of comments that can motivate a Lions team that appears to be in control of a battered NFC North?

Detroit has been getting the job done defensively this season, unlike many years in the past. Their offense isn't as one-dimensional as it was in their 4-12 season a year ago. While the accusations of dirty play have, and likely will continue, to follow the team around, but their run defense has been tough enough to make those accusations appear more based in frustration on the part of opposing offenses.

And least of all, having anything to do with the current economic challenges of the city of Detroit.

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