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Detroit Lions PreSeason Game #3 Film Review

By Nick Pursel

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Aug 28, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars running back T.J. Yeldon (24) runs for a first down in front of Detroit Lions linebacker Travis Lewis (50) in the first quarter of a preseason NFL football game at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports

The first team defense struggled against the Jaguars, the pass defense got torn up and BlakeBortles was able to drive the ball with ease. The Lions weren’t really creative against the Jaguars, a couple of scouts from the Chargers were at the game and probably scared them off a little. They didn’t use any of their trademark blitzes or unique rush packages and mostly tried to pressure him with four down rushers. The Lions struggled in pass coverage andBortles was able to make a couple tight window throws. The end result is a rough day for the Lions pass defense.

I am ok with a couple tight window throws being completed against the Lions defense. Sometimes the quarterback just throws a perfect ball and there isn’t much the defense can do to stop it. However, plays like the one above just can’t happen. Rashean Mathis and Glover Quin both bite hard on the run fake and give the Jaguars an easy lane to complete a touchdown. Rashean was expecting safety help over the top, so he can be a little more aggressive on the run fake, but when Quin crashes the hole hard Rashean needs to be aware of the situation and stay on his man. The Lions weren’t terrible in coverage against the Jags, they had a few blown coverages and allowed the Jaguars to take advantage of some mismatches in the slot. Other than that, the Lions had some tight coverage and keep the Jaguars from completing any splash plays. They had a couple of questionable flags that allowed the Jaguars an easy touchdown and really only had one bad drive. (If you want to see some more positive plays from the night check out my vine page at here)

While the pass defense had its problems against the Jaguars, the run defense looked stout again. They did a great job limiting the Jaguars running attack and never let them get anything going. Tyrunn Walker continued his strong play in the middle of the Lions defensive line, he made a number of incredibly impressive plays like the one above. He sheds the guard with ease and is able to make the tackle despite being held by the guard. He has the ability to make blockers look stupid and can win with a number of different ways. He is going to be a perfect pairing next to Haloti Ngata this season and is going to be an impact defender for the Lions this season.

The Lions played very technically sound run defense against the Jaguars. The play above was a perfect team run stop, Yeldon has absolutely nowhere to go because the Lions read the play and filled every gap. The pursuit to the running back on this play is very impressive, all three linebackers and Ihedigbo fly downfield as soon as the ball is handed off. Travis Lewis finished the play off but its an impressive play by a number of different Lions defenders.

A lot has been made of the loss of Ndamukong Suh this offseason, but defense is about playing as a cohesive unit not having individual players dominate. If the Lions can stay healthy and play technically sound football the sky is the limit. They still have a stacked defensive line and one of the best linebacking cores in the NFL The pass defense will be strong again and will benefit from the return of Ziggy Ansah, Caraun Reid, and Haloti Ngata. The Lions have playmakers on all levels of the field and are determined to prove they still are a top unit.

Next: Detroit Lions season predictions

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