Detroit Lions pass defense: From worst to…strong?
By Bruce Walker
Why you should be excited about Detroit’s pass defense this year continued…
Safety Miles Killebrew is a year older.
Make no mistake, Killebrew was a major asset when on the field. He just was not on the field very much. Pro Football Reference has him playing 14.51% of all defensive snaps.
Killebrew’s niche was primarily third downs, and he excelled there. Granted, more snaps do not guarantee similar success but he has certainly shown the ability to impact plays.
The secondary has also had an infusion of talent.
Cornerback D. J. Hayden was added in free agency and rookies Teez Tabor and Jamal Agnew were added in the second and fifth rounds of the draft, respectively. Hayden and Agnew are both expected to fortify the inside. Veteran corners Darius Slay and Nevin Lawson were more than solid in their outside roles last year.
Oh, yeah. Defensive end Ezekiel Ansah is healthy.
‘nuff said. Okay, maybe just this one thing. Our own Steven Mullenax recently predicted, “There is no reason to think the 28-year old won’t record double-digit sacks and return to the Pro Bowl in 2017.” I agree.
The bottom line is that even without adding a gold-plated defensive end, the Lions will have a much better pass defense this coming year. Call it strong.
Next: Detroit Lions - Problems cutting down to a 53-Man roster
Sadly, that should result in fewer thrilling fourth quarter comebacks. It should also mean that the Detroit Lions record of eight, late rallying wins should be safe this year. I can live with that.