You did not mention the “DE2” position, which is the player opposite Aiden Hutchinson. Many fans consider that position a weakness. But we are six deep at that position (if you include Wingo). I believe that the coaches evaluation of that position is that the rotation of those six players is going to be more than good enough. Brad Holmes, Dan Campbell, The coaches… they don’t appear to be worried at all.
It will be a rotation. Maybe Paschal steps up. Maybe Davenport stays relatively healthy. Maybe Houston gets let loose. Maybe Betts surprises us. Maybe Wingo will show something. Then there is Cominsky. Can he bouce back. If not. Will he be cut. I don't see that big of a problem yet. To eary to tell. Wait til the pads come on.
Really not worried about any position groups on the Lions. Houston was injured 15games last year. Paschal, Wingo, Cominsky, can all set the edge & get to the QB with adequate time. The additions on the back end will provide that additional time. The Lions are going to be EXPLOSIVE on defense.
The most fun I've had watching the Lions (prior to the 2023 season) was watching that 2014 team and specifically that top-3 defense. Suh and Fairley made it seem like Detroit was IMPOSSIBLE to run on. I couldn't believe how much fun I had being able to watch a defense that was solid at all levels, and elite in the trenches. This team is getting close to that point, where we won't have that constant sense of dread that at any moment the other team could score. It's going to be a defense we can trust to get off the field on 3rd down. Any number of things can happen that could derail the season, especially injuries to key players, but I'm telling you man it's hard to imagine this team not winning the #1 seed. It's solid players at every position, it's a trusted coaching staff, it's all aligned for Detroit.
@ Tomgrey How about a little more optimism and less skepticism and put some faith in the coaches we have around our new guys. Our DC used to be a damn good DB and is an excellent coach. He has 2 pretty damn good young corners he's gonna be more one on one with them and I fully belive he will get everything they have to offer. That's just the rooks. I love it. Homie keep it coming I agree 💯
On top of the expected improved front line DL play, the Lions, mostly through the draft, seem to have acquired a talented & maturing depth everywhere else on defense. Could it be it ends up that defense challenges the offense as the better unit of the two? I think it's definitely possible. My only real team concern, other than a serious injury to Jared Goff, is offensive line depth. But if Skipper remains healthy, Sorsby improves over last season, as he should, & Mahogany turns out to be the player we think he could be, playing the Lions this season will be a tough gig.
Not to be mean but you are the king of speculation if they are in the top half of the league in defense I will be happy I don’t expect much more … There are so many unproven’s on our defense and how well they will gel it’s not funny
"The Lions were the only NFL defense to prevent opposing offenses from throwing a TD pass to a RB in 2023." "The Lions defense allowed the fewest rushing yards to running backs of any NFL team in the 2023 season. Opposing running backs totaled just 1,028 yards on the ground in 17 games." Aaron Glen concentrated on stopping running backs. That was one reason why the rushing QB's looked so good against us.
