Do the Lions have reason for optimism?

Tiger Hebert

The Lions have finally ended their losing streak as they nearly snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.  This team is still struggling though and this game should not offer much comfort to the team or its fans.  Fortunately there has been some late game magic, but that formula will only get you so far in this league.  The truth of the matter is that Matthews Stafford continues to struggle and has not looked like an elite quarterback outside of the 4th quarter.

His inconsistency and their offensive struggles aside, the Lions do have a glimmer of hope amid the cellar dweller record of 2-3.  Believe it or not, the Detroit Lions defense is better than advertised.  Yes, I have said the seemingly absurd.  I can't argue that the "all-hype" defensive line has not produced as expected, but I see a silver lining.

The Lions are currently ranked 24th in scoring defense with 27.4 points per game allowed which is putrid.  In fact, that total would have ranked them for 30th last season with only the Vikings and Buccaneers being worse.  The defense clearly has holes in, primarily on the back end, but it isn't as bad as many believe.  

The best players in the Lions' secondary are Chris Houston and Louis Delmas, the problem is that they have both had their share of injuries.  However if they can keep the two of them on the field at the same time, it will prove to have a huge impact.  For evidence, just look back to the first half of last season when Detroit's passing defense was actually a top 10 ranked unit.  Do they still need to improve that group in the off-season, definitely.  However, they are not as bad as most think.

The rest of the defense has seen their share of heat as well.  The linebacking corp is not lead by any household names or flashy players.  They do get blocked more than you would like against power running teams, but let's face it, these guys are better at defending the pass.  It's the whole reason a guy like Justin Durant was brought in.  Yet Tulloch, Durant, and Levy continue to make more plays than they get credit for.

The Lions front four is supposed to be one of the teams strengths.  For as much money and attention as it gets, it should be.  The defensive line rotation should be causing more havoc on opposing teams this year, but they have not dominated the way that many expect them to.  After five games they have 12 sacks, giving them an average of 2.4 per game.  Not mind blowing numbers, but it is still top half of the league.  In fact, they are actually doing better than both the Giants and the Chiefs in those regards.  I expect those numbers to increase as the season goes on, but their success will hinge on the rest of the team.  

The Lions do not look like a playoff caliber team right now.  They have a lot to cleanup, both on and off the field.  But their defense is more than holding their own.  I don't think the average person realizes that the Lions have given up 6 non-offensive touchdowns in five games.  Four scores are on special teams and another two scores are on defensive returns.  8.4 points per game that have been scored against the Lions, that their defense is not responsible for.  Hypothetically speaking, that means this defensive unit is only giving up 19.0 points per game.  Not exactly world beaters, but it would be good enough to rank them with the Giants at 7th, which is higher than the Texans, Ravens and Steelers.  Does this mean they are in that category?  No, however it is something that needs to be considered when people continue to slam this unit and defensive coaching staff.

Defensive Scoring Through Week 6

When Jim Schwartz took on the sad sap Lions squad in 2009, he decided to build around a franchise quarterback.  It was a good decision considering that they possessed one of the games' most promising young playmakers in Calvin Johnson.  They needed to find a way to take advantage of his talents, and actually build a real foundation.  The plan was to build an explosive offense, and build a team with a relentless pass rush to attack teams once you get the lead.  It is the same strategy that the Colts used with Peyton Manning.  

The problem is that this year the explosive offense hasn't been showing up until the 4th quarter.  Now with the amount of money invested in the Lions' front four, it shouldn't matter, but it does.  This entire defensive scheme and personnel are focused at disrupting the passing game while protecting the lead, and that has not been something they have really experienced much this season.  I believe that when Stafford gets this thing figured out, the rest of the team will look a lot better.

Stephen Tulloch brings down Jake Locker

The season so far has been largely a disappointment as the Lions sit with three losses already.  They are not without plenty of promise though.  The Lions offense has stunk.  Despite racking up tons of yardage and still scoring over 25.2 points per game, they are 23rd in third down efficiency with only a 34% conversion rate.  They have continued to play undisciplined football, committing an absurd 74 penalties between offense and defense.  Yet, with all of the things they are doing wrong, this team has only lost three games by a total of 11 points.  That's why what I am about to say surprises even myself.  If the Detroit Lions can play on offense and special teams as well as they are on defense, they can salvage this slow start.