Detroit's Defense Is Holding the Lions Back From Contention

The Detroit Lions once again have one of the best offenses in the league, but it takes more than that to compete for a Super Bowl.

After three weeks, Detroit’s defense has emerged as a legitimate weakness, one that will hold the Lions back from being a championship contender.

Despite getting a 31-24 victory Sunday against the New York Jets, Detroit gave up a late offensive push that put the win in jeopardy. The Jets scored 14 points in the fourth quarter and had driven all the way to the 28-yard line before forcing a Geno Smith fumble to seal the game. The Lions needed their offense to keep pace and score on each of its late drives, which nearly proved costly when they missed a fourth-down conversion at midfield.

Smith was excellent for most of the game, going 31-for-37 for 321 yards and three passing touchdowns. He has led a competent New York offense to start the season, but Detroit should not have had as much trouble as it did. In a division with Ben Johnson’s Bears and Matt LaFleur’s Packers, the Lions are going to face much stronger offenses on a consistent basis.

Detroit has allowed 95 points so far this season and is struggling to give up big plays.

Entering Sunday, the Lions’ defense was at the bottom of the league in numerous advanced analytics. 

The red zone figure is especially concerning. If Detroit cannot find ways to minimize damage close to the end zone, it is going to continue to find itself in situations where the offense needs to will the team to a win.

No one is questioning the offense. New offensive coordinator Drew Petzing has his unit looking comfortable and confident. Jahmyr Gibbs has played like an Offensive Player of the Year candidate, leading one of the league’s best groups of playmakers.

The last few Super Bowl champions, most notably last year’s Seattle Seahawks, were anchored by elite defenses. The Lions have been far from that so far.

However, Detroit needs more consistency from defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard’s group in order to keep its contending window alive.

The NFC North is more open than expected after Green Bay’s slow start and Caleb Williams’ injury. In order for the Lions to return to their throne at the top of the division, they need to be playing at a high level on both sides of the ball.