Lions Identity Crisis: NFL Preseason (Week 4)

Aug 18, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; A general photo of a Detroit Lions helmet during halftime in the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 18, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; A general photo of a Detroit Lions helmet during halftime in the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

“It’s not that the Detroit Lions don’t have an identity in this league. It’s that the idea about their identity has not manifested itself thus far.”

Larryjrnfl.com –  talks Detroit Lions NFL Preseason (Video Below).

In a league where seeing is believing, Detroit Lions GM Bob Quinn is finally coming to the realization that the team he is expected to redeem, is one that has a lingering bondage of mediocrity indwelling itself.

Detroit Lions GM Bob Quinn is finally coming to the realization that the team he is expected to redeem, is one that has a lingering bondage of mediocrity indwelling itself.

Director of scouting

Kyle O’Brien

and Senior Personnel Executive

Brian Xanders

worked themselves dead this off-season to acquire professionals in scouting and personnel. Knowingly, there aren’t any apparent holes on the rosters depth chart but the insufficiency of team production would surely suggest such. All this is true, credible and NFL analyst know that the Detroit Lions have the players needed to be successful in the NFL this season. I guess the question is; “what’s the holdup?” Good Lions fan I will tell you that  it has to do with team momentum and order of operations.

Order of Operations

1.Offense Scores.

2. Defense holds scoring leads.

Judging by the salary spread of the Lions organization, the highest paid players should perform the highest and not the least amongst the congregation (one would think). Mathematically, if QB Matthew Stafford is making around $18 million annually including this 20 game season (16 regular season games + 4 preseason games), that means he’s making around $900,000 a contest to do what he is doing.  And what exactly is he doing? Nothing. Is there a minute amount of reprove in the heart of the true Lions fan regarding his performance so far. this NFL Preseason? The sad thing is, the impact the passing game has on the team is the most important facet. By all means, the Lions have one of the best passing attacks in the NFL, but isn’t it time to prove that off of paper?

Aug 27, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Detroit Lions outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy (53) stands on the sidelines during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 27, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Detroit Lions outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy (53) stands on the sidelines during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Ultimately, the Detroit Lions need to play with the lead.

They don’t have the defensive personnel to defend the run late in games. They will need the maximize passing situations for the opposing offense so they can utilize their pass rush with DE Ezekiel Ansah and DE Devin Taylor. The astuteness of both OLB Tahir Whitehead OLB Van Noy is beginning to manifest and one should take note that the Lions 1st team defense held the Ravens out of the end-zone during 1st string reps. Nevertheless, the reliance of the passing offense will only grow heavier as the season progresses meaning that the Lions will become subject to ridicule if the slackness continues.

Schedule