Detroit Lions Mailbag: Is the defense really better?
I am shocked. I mean I'm down right shocked. I asked Lions fans for questions and not a sing one of them pertained to the controversy that happened on Saturday night. I'm proud of everyone. Wait, one person asked about it. That's ok. We'll answer it and move right past it with controlled fury and […]
I am shocked. I mean I'm down right shocked. I asked Lions fans for questions and not a sing one of them pertained to the controversy that happened on Saturday night. I'm proud of everyone. Wait, one person asked about it. That's ok. We'll answer it and move right past it with controlled fury and pure octane man. Let's answer some questions!
It's hard to think it's not at this point. The differences have been drastic. Everyone will look to their first few games after the bye and I get that, it was bad. The Lions were allowing nearly 400 yards a game and nearly 30 points a game. In the last three games they've allowed just 20 points per game and they showed on Saturday night, against a Cowboys team that can score 40 points per game at home, that they can hang teams defensively. Even the really good ones.
They're still susceptible to big pass play. That's really what's killing them. Look at these big pass plays they allowed Saturday:
- 92-yards to Lamb
- 31-yards to Lamb
- 21-yards to Cook
- 21-yards to Cook
- 22-yards to Lamb
Nobody is saying that you have to stop them all, but if you stop two of those, there's a solid chance the Lions win that game and we're not talking about Brad Allen and his crew on Tuesday morning of the new year.
The other things that really need to be noted are the sacks and turnovers. The Lions have registered 37 sacks this season. 14 of them have been in the last 5 games. Looks like they finally figured that out. They've also forced nine turnovers in the last five games too.
I don't think so. From what we can gather, they're playing their starters all day long unless they get out to a very healthy lead that can't be come back from. This game still means something. They have a chance to clinch the second seed in the NFC. While they do have to rely on the Giants and Commanders to make that happen, anything is possible in this league.
So while fans may see this game as meaningless, the Lions definitely do not feel that way.
That first one would be interesting. I can see something like this in my mind. As long as Hutchinson is sure to report as eligible of course.
The second one, I highly doubt it. Owners speaking out against the league doesn't happen a whole lot. I wouldn't be surprised if it's brought up behind closed doors at the owners meetings in May. I'm sure officiating will be discussed considering how notably bad it has been in 2023. But In wouldn't expect to see Hamp publicly say anything.
No you're not wrong. Jackson has had a rough season. The injuries have done him no favors. He's had two time periods in which he was out with an injury this year. When he's playing he's become something of a weakness for the Lions.
The Cowboys almost exclusively went after him on Saturday and he allowed 4 pressures, two hurries and two hits on Jared Goff. He had the third worst pass blocking grade of his entire career with a 19.9. It was just a bad day.
He's not been a whole lot better than that this year. It has been expected that Jackson might get a new deal with the Lions after this season, but I wouldn't be shocked if he's a free agent and the Lions are looking for a new left guard in free agency or the draft.
No! That song is perfect and mostly everyone loves it. One of the coolest things about being at Ford Field is watching Theo lead the crowd in this song and that everyone knows the words. It's out thing like the SKOL chant for the Vikings or the J-E-T-S chant for the Jets. I personally love it.
I would not be surprised if they did that. Williams hurt his ankle on that big 63-yard catch on Saturday and per Lions' head coach Dan Campbell, it's nothing serious and he's day to day. So at this point it really could go either way. We'll have to see what the first practice report looks like on Wednesday.
If it were me, I'd be looking to employ as many three safety looks as I can. These guys are currently the best part of the secondary. Having all three of them out there could help keep quarterbacks from throwing the deep ball on the Lions so much.
In terms of the rest of the time, I think you have to keep Melifonwu out there. He is red hot right now and you always ride the hot hand. I'd maybe flex Gardner-Johnson and Joseph in and out with each other until Gardner-Johnson is ready to start full time. Keep Branch were he's at with the nickel stuff. He's playing that really well.
I'm sorry Lions fans. You're just going to have to do it this year. I know it's hard and it might make you physically ill, but you need to cheer for the Bears because there is nothing sweeter than watching the Packers get eliminated from anything. Especially playoff contention.
Lions Power Ranking Roundup: Does controversy hurt the Lions?
I swear we'll stop talking about the Detroit Lions controversial finish against the Dallas Cowboys from last week at some point. Probably after this. We have to see if that finish changed the opinions of the power rankers around the league. Let's jump into it and see. ESPN: 4th Previous ranking: 4th "Goff is signed […]
