As the Detroit Lions head into the final stretch of the 2024 NFL season, they have an exciting opportunity to strengthen one of the most crucial areas of their roster: their defense. A playoff berth is within reach, and the team’s defense will play a pivotal role in determining whether they can make a deep postseason run. While the Lions have shown promise on offense, especially with quarterback Jared Goff and their explosive offensive playmakers, their defense remains a key area for improvement. With a few strategic moves and improvements, the Lions could become a formidable force on both sides of the ball.
The Importance of Strengthening the Defense
Defense wins championships. It’s an adage that has been proven time and again in the NFL, where great defenses have often been the difference between a good team and a great team. For the Lions, this is particularly true as they look to build a well-rounded roster capable of competing in a highly competitive NFC. The team’s offense, led by Goff, has been dynamic, ranking among the league’s top units in several key statistical categories. However, the defense has not yet reached the same level of consistency, and with the playoffs on the horizon, this imbalance could become a significant hurdle.
Currently, the Lions rank in the middle of the pack in terms of total defense, but their struggles have been most evident against the pass. Detroit’s defense has had issues with giving up big plays, particularly in the secondary, which can be the difference in high-stakes playoff games. To make a legitimate push, the Lions will need to improve their pass rush, limit explosive plays, and shore up their coverage in the secondary.
Areas for Improvement
- Pass Rush One of the biggest areas the Lions could strengthen is their pass rush. Despite having some promising individual talents on the defensive line, the Lions have not been able to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. A lack of pressure allows quarterbacks to sit in the pocket longer, which increases the likelihood of big plays down the field. While the Lions have shown flashes with players like Aidan Hutchinson, who had an impressive rookie campaign, they will need more from their pass rush to disrupt opposing offenses, especially in the postseason.
Adding an elite pass rusher or making a move to bolster the current defensive line would be a game-changer for the Lions. In the NFL playoffs, quarterbacks with time in the pocket can quickly tear apart defenses, and if Detroit can make opposing quarterbacks uncomfortable, they’ll have a better chance at limiting high-powered offenses. The Lions may want to explore trade options for a proven edge rusher, or look to maximize the potential of their current roster by improving their pass-rush schemes and increasing pressure from multiple sources.
- Secondary Play The Lions’ secondary has been inconsistent at times, which has been a concern for the defense as a whole. Detroit has given up a fair amount of yards through the air, and while they have some talented pieces, they’ve lacked the ability to consistently shut down elite wide receivers and tight ends. The secondary has been a weak link, and this issue will be magnified in the postseason when teams like the San Francisco 49ers or the Philadelphia Eagles have highly talented receiving corps.
The Lions would benefit from adding a veteran cornerback or safety who can provide leadership and stability in the back end. Ideally, a cornerback who excels in man-to-man coverage would be a perfect fit, as it would allow defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to deploy more aggressive schemes without worrying about coverage breakdowns. Another option could be adding a safety who excels in coverage and can help prevent big plays over the middle of the field.
One thing that the Lions could explore is finding ways to develop their young secondary players, such as Jerry Jacobs and Cameron Sutton, into more consistent performers. Improving their ability to cover and win one-on-one matchups could help elevate the defense as a whole. With the right adjustments and coaching, this group has the potential to turn the defense into a more well-rounded unit.
- Run Defense While the Lions have made strides in their run defense, there are still areas for improvement. A strong run defense can help to keep offenses one-dimensional, forcing them to rely more on the passing game, where the Lions have more opportunities to create turnovers. In the playoffs, where matchups are often determined by which team can establish dominance on the ground, Detroit will need to be stout against the run.
Detroit’s defensive line, with players like Alim McNeill and Isaiah Buggs, has been solid, but they must be more consistent in stopping opposing running backs and setting the tone at the line of scrimmage. Strengthening their run defense could help balance out the defense and make them more difficult to attack. This is an area where adding a run-stuffing defensive tackle or a linebacker who excels at filling gaps could be beneficial.
Potential Moves to Strengthen the Defense
As the playoffs approach, the Lions could consider several moves to bolster their defense.
- Trade for a Veteran Cornerback or Safety If the Lions want to address their secondary issues, they could pursue a trade for a veteran cornerback or safety who is known for their ability to lock down top receivers. Players like Jalen Ramsey, who has the ability to shut down elite wideouts, could be a perfect fit for a defense looking to make a deep playoff run.
- Sign a Pass Rusher The Lions could also explore free-agent options for pass rushers or explore trade opportunities to add a dynamic edge rusher. Players who can generate consistent pressure on the quarterback will help open up opportunities for the rest of the defense.
- Develop the Current Roster The Lions already have promising pieces in place, so much of their focus may be on coaching and development. A focus on improving the consistency of the defensive line, linebackers, and secondary through better communication, technique, and scheming could make all the difference come playoff time.
