Three Lions questions: They must fire Jim Caldwell after season finale

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Detroit Lions coach Jim Caldwell addresses the media after the 26-17 loss to the Bengals on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Cincinnati. Video by Dave Birkett/DFP

Three questions with Free Press sports writer Carlos Monarrez after the Detroit Lions’ 26-17 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals that eliminated them from the playoffs:

What does this loss mean for coach Jim Caldwell’s future?

It means he has one game left in his time in Detroit. Frankly, Caldwell has been here 16 games too many. He should have been fired after last season, as I have written. But if Caldwell isn’t fired after this season, the Ford family should be investigated for consumer fraud by charging full price for a ticket next season. Caldwell needs to be fired immediately after Sunday’s season finale. We’ve seen enough in four years. He’s not the coach who is going to take the Lions to the next level of being a consistent winner and making sustained playoff runs. Bring in Josh McDaniels. Bring in Matt Patricia. Bring in just about anyone else. It’s time.

More: Lions' dismal Christmas Eve loss shows change is needed now

How disappointing was this game?

That wasn’t rain or snow falling in Cincinnati. Those were the tears of Lions fans from the past 60 years. And the tears of Bobby Layne, crying with laughter from the heavens. This was a putrid, disgusting effort. The Lions had everything to play for and the Bengals had nothing at stake, yet it looked exactly like the opposite. Yes, the offensive line was missing three starters, but the offense lacked punch and took stupid penalties. Pro Bowler Darius Slay struggled and the defense allowed the NFL’s worst rushing team to put up 142 yards, with 116 from Giovani Bernard. Even Matt Prater missed a 50-yarder.

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Photos: Bengals 26, Lions 17

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Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) stands on the sidelines against the Bengals in the second half of the Lions' 26-17 loss on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Cincinnati.  Aaron Doster USA TODAY Sports

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Lions running back Tion Green (38) falls in for a touchdown against the Bengals during the second half of the Lions' 26-17 loss on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Cincinnati.  David Kohl USA TODAY Sports

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Lions coach Jim Caldwell reacts during the first half of the Lions' 26-17 loss on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Cincinnati.  David Kohl USA TODAY Sports

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Lions coach Jim Caldwell walks down the field during the first half of the Lions' 26-17 loss on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Cincinnati.  David Kohl USA TODAY Sports

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Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones (11) is brought down by Bengals cornerback William Jackson (22) during the second half of the Lions' 26-17 loss on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Cincinnati.  David Kohl USA TODAY Sports

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Bengals running back Giovani Bernard (25) escapes a tackle by Lions defensive end Anthony Zettel (69) during the second half of the Lions' 26-17 loss on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Cincinnati.  David Kohl USA TODAY Sports

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Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) reacts to the touchdown scored by running back Tion Green (38) against the Bengals in the second half of the Lions' 26-17 loss on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Cincinnati.  Aaron Doster USA TODAY Sports

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Bengals running back Giovani Bernard (left) swaps jerseys with Lions tight end Eric Ebron (right) after the Lions' 26-17 loss on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Cincinnati.  Aaron Doster USA TODAY Sports

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Lions defensive tackle A'Shawn Robinson (91) tackles Bengals running back Giovani Bernard (25) in the second half of the Lions' 26-17 loss on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Cincinnati.  Aaron Doster USA TODAY Sports

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Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford, left, greets Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton after the Lions' 26-17 loss on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Cincinnati.  Frank Victores, AP

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Lions coach Jim Caldwell, left, meets with Bengals coach Marvin Lewis after the Lions' 26-17 loss on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Cincinnati.  Gary Landers, AP

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Bengals defensive end Carlos Dunlap (96) sacks Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during the second half of the Lions' 26-17 loss on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Cincinnati.  Gary Landers, AP

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Lions middle linebacker Nick Bellore (43) and Bengals defensive tackle Ryan Glasgow (98) reach for a fumble during the second half of the Lions' 26-17 loss on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Cincinnati.  Frank Victores, AP

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Lions running back Tion Green (38) rushes for a 5-yard touchdown during the second half of the Lions' 26-17 loss on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Cincinnati.  Gary Landers, AP

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Bengals running back Giovani Bernard jumps into the end zone for a touchdown during the second half of the Lions' 26-17 loss on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Cincinnati.  Joe Robbins, Getty Images

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Lions tight end Eric Ebron celebrates against the Bengals during the second half of the Lions' 26-17 loss on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Cincinnati.  Joe Robbins, Getty Images

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Bengals running back Tion Green runs with the ball against the Bengals during the second half of the Lions' 26-17 loss on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Cincinnati.  Joe Robbins, Getty Images

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Lions coach Jim Caldwell looks on against the Bengals during the second half of the Lions' 26-17 loss on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Cincinnati.  Joe Robbins, Getty Images

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Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford is hit after throwing a pass against the Bengals during the second half of the Lions' 26-17 loss on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Cincinnati.  John Grieshop, Getty Images

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Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford throws a pass against the Bengals during the second half of the Lions' 26-17 loss on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Cincinnati.  John Grieshop, Getty Images

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Lions running back Theo Riddick runs with the ball against the Bengals during the second half of the Lions' 26-17 loss on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Cincinnati.  John Grieshop, Getty Images

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Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford is sacked by the Bengals' Carlos Dunlap during the second half of the Lions' 26-17 loss on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Cincinnati.  John Grieshop, Getty Images

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Lions cornerback Darius Slay (23) tackles Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) in the second half of the Lions' 26-17 loss on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Cincinnati.  Aaron Doster USA TODAY Sports

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Bengals cornerback Josh Shaw (26) breaks up a pass intended for Lions wide receiver Golden Tate (15) in the second half of the Lions' 26-17 loss on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Cincinnati.  Aaron Doster USA TODAY Sports

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Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd (83) is pushed out of bounds by Lions cornerback Teez Tabor (30) after a 6-yard reception during the second half on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Cincinnati.  Frank Victores, AP

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Lions kicker Matt Prater (5) walks back to the bench after missing a 50-yard field goal during the second half on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Cincinnati.  Gary Landers, AP

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Lions running back Ameer Abdullah runs with the ball against the Bengals during the first half on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Cincinnati.  John Grieshop, Getty Images

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Lions WR Kenny Golladay runs with the ball after a reception against the Bengals during the first half on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Cincinnati.  John Grieshop, Getty Images

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Lions WR Marvin Jones makes a catch defended by Bengals CB Darqueze Dennard during the second half on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Cincinnati.  Joe Robbins, Getty Images

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Bengals WR A.J. Green breaks a tackle from Lions CB Darius Slay during the second half on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Cincinnati.  John Grieshop, Getty Images

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Lions kicker Matt Prater reacts after a field goal against the Bengals during the second half on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Cincinnati.  John Grieshop, Getty Images

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Lions RB Tion Green runs with the ball against the Bengals during the second half on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Cincinnati.  John Grieshop, Getty Images

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Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) is sacked by Lions defensive end Ezekiel Ansah (94) during the first half on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Cincinnati.  David Kohl USA TODAY Sports

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Lions tight end Eric Ebron (85) catches a touchdown pass against Bengals linebacker Jordan Evans (50) during the first half on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Cincinnati.  David Kohl USA TODAY Sports

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Lions cornerback Darius Slay (23) attempts an interception against Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) but goes out of bounds in the first half on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Cincinnati.  Aaron Doster USA TODAY Sports

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Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) looks to pass against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half at Paul Brown Stadium.  David Kohl, USA TODAY

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Cincinnati Bengals outside linebacker Vincent Rey (57) runs after intercepting a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Cincinnati.  Frank Victores, AP

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Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay (23) looks to back judge Dino Paganelli (105) after his interception in the end zone was called back due to a penalty during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Cincinnati.  Frank Victores, AP

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Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovani Bernard (25) runs against Detroit Lions defensive end Cornelius Washington (90) during the first half at Paul Brown Stadium.  David Kohl, USA TODAY

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Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd (83) misses a pass against Detroit Lions cornerback Teez Tabor (30) during the first half at Paul Brown Stadium.  David Kohl, USA TODAY

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Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Brandon LaFell (11) is tackled by Detroit Lions free safety Glover Quin (27) during the first half at Paul Brown Stadium.  David Kohl, USA TODAY

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Detroit Lions tight end Eric Ebron (85), defended by Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Jordan Evans, catches a 33-yard pass for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Cincinnati.  Gary Landers, AP

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Detroit Lions defensive end Ezekiel Ansah (94) sacks Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Cincinnati.  Frank Victores, AP

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Detroit Lions cornerback Teez Tabor (30) knocks the ball away from Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd (83) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Cincinnati.  Gary Landers, AP

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Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon (28) carries the ball against the Detroit Lions in the first half at Paul Brown Stadium.  Aaron Doster, USA TODAY

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Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon (28) carries the ball against the Detroit Lions in the first half at Paul Brown Stadium.  Aaron Doster, USA TODAY

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Cincinnati Bengals outside linebacker Vontaze Burfict (55) reacts after making a tackle against the Detroit Lions in the first half at Paul Brown Stadium.  Aaron Doster, USA TODAY

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Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon (28) takes the field during player introductions prior to the game against the Detroit Lions at Paul Brown Stadium.  Aaron Doster, USA TODAY

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Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford scrambles during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Cincinnati.  Frank Victores, AP

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Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis runs onto the field for an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Cincinnati.  Frank Victores, AP

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Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Cincinnati.  Frank Victores, AP

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Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) looks downfield during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Cincinnati.  Gary Landers, AP

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Golden Tate (15) of the Detroit Lions takes the field prior to the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio.  John Grieshop, Getty Images

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A Detroit Lions fan looks on prior to the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio.  John Grieshop, Getty Images

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A Cincinnati Bengals fan looks on prior to the game against the Detroit Lions at Paul Brown Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio.  John Grieshop, Getty Images

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AJ McCarron (5) and Andy Dalton (14) of the Cincinnati Bengals stretch prior to the game against the Detroit Lions at Paul Brown Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio.  John Grieshop, Getty Images

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Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon (28) throws to fans during warmups prior to a game against the Detroit Lions at Paul Brown Stadium.  David Kohl, USA TODAY

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Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) during warms up prior to a game against the Detroit Lions at Paul Brown Stadium.  David Kohl, USA TODAY

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Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) catches a pass during warms up prior to a game against the Detroit Lions at Paul Brown Stadium.  David Kohl, USA TODAY

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Andy Dalton #14 of the Cincinnati Bengals throws pass against the Detroit Lions during the first half at Paul Brown Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio.  John Grieshop, Getty Images

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Ezekiel Ansah (94) of the Detroit Lions sacks Andy Dalton (14) of the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half at Paul Brown Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio.  John Grieshop, Getty Images

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898087216.jpg CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 24: Theo Riddick #25 of the Detroit Lions runs with the ball past Carl Lawson #58 of the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half at Paul Brown Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images)  John Grieshop, Getty Images

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Glover Quin (27) of the Detroit Lions tackles Brandon LaFell (11) of the Cincinnati Bengals after a reception during the first half at Paul Brown Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio.  Joe Robbins, Getty Images

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898086208.jpg CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 24: A.J. Green #18 of the Cincinnati Bengals drops a pass against the Detroit Lions during the first half at Paul Brown Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)  Joe Robbins, Getty Images

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Vontaze Burfict (55) of the Cincinnati Bengals reacts against the Detroit Lions during the first half at Paul Brown Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio.  Joe Robbins, Getty Images

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Matthew Stafford (9) of the Detroit Lions throws a pass against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half at Paul Brown Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio.  Joe Robbins, Getty Images

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Eric Ebron (85) of the Detroit Lions celebrates with Kenny Golladay (19) against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half at Paul Brown Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio.  Joe Robbins, Getty Images

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Head coach Jim Caldwell of the Detroit Lions looks on against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half at Paul Brown Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio.  Joe Robbins, Getty Images

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Eric Ebron (85) of the Detroit Lions makes a touchdown catch against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half at Paul Brown Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio.  John Grieshop, Getty Images

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Ezekiel Ansah (94) of the Detroit Lions sacks Andy Dalton #14 of the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half at Paul Brown Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio.  Joe Robbins, Getty Images

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Eric Ebron (85) of the Detroit Lions celebrates after a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half at Paul Brown Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio.  John Grieshop, Getty Images

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Is there any hope for this team?

There is — but it remains just that: Hope. With the right head coach and coaching staff, with a great offensive mind to fully unlock the potential of Matthew Stafford and the offense, the Lions could make the jump to becoming that consistent winner. Mostly, the next coach is going to have to work in perfect synchronization with general manager Bob Quinn, who needs to have a great draft. He hasn’t hit a home run in either of his first two drafts and next year that’s going to be hard to do with major concerns at running back, defensive end, defensive tackle and offensive line.

Contact Carlos Monarrez: cmonarrez@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @cmonarrez. Download our free Lions Xtra app on your Apple and Android devices.