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Most improved player: LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin

How they've improved: One of the biggest improvements in the eyes of first-year Lions coach Dan Campbell is Reeves-Maybin. He stands out because he primarily saw action on special teams last season. But over the past few weeks, he has gotten better -- notably on the road against Minnesota on Sunday, where he forced and recovered a crucial fumble to go along with five tackles. "He makes plays," Campbell said. "He's productive for us." -- Eric Woodyard

Dan Campbell isn't one to hide his emotions, so it wasn't a surprise when the Lions coach got emotional after his team's latest heartbreaking loss. Detroit is 0-5, with two of its defeats coming on last-second field-goals that bordered on the impossible. This one was made more painful because the Lions had orchestrated a stunning comeback to take a late lead over the Vikings. It still wasn't enough. "You want it for yourself, as an organization and for all of us," Campbell said with tears in his eyes. "But you want it for those players. They're out there busting their ass and ... it's tough."

They have lost some tough games, blowing a late lead to the Vikings on Sunday. Again, they are competing, which is a good sign for a first-year coach.

Losing on field goals of at least 54 yards at the gun twice in the span of three weeks is enough to move any man to tears, especially one overseeing a winless outfit. You're a real one, Dan Campbell.

Breakout player: For once, we're not here to pile on the Lions. This season, and especially Sunday, has been tough enough. This rebuild will be a long, painful process, but it helps to have talented young players like free safety Tracy Walker, who had seven solo tackles (including one for a loss) and a pass breakup against the Vikings. Don't let him leave in free agency, Detroit.