Detroit Lions defense needs continued success to beat the Giants

DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 10: Quandre Diggs #28 of the Detroit Lions while playing the Arizona Cardinals at Ford Field on September 10, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 10: Quandre Diggs #28 of the Detroit Lions while playing the Arizona Cardinals at Ford Field on September 10, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Last week, the Detroit Lions’ defense proved that they can play near an elite level. That play will need to continue for Detroit to start the season 2-0.

As the old saying goes, “Defense wins championships.” A lot of great teams in the past were famous because of their elite defenses, like the 1985 Chicago Bears, the 2000 Baltimore Ravens, or most recently the 2014 Seattle Seahawks. The Detroit Lions have never had anything close to an elite defense in the history of the franchise.

Not only has the Detroit Defense not been elite, many years it can’t even been considered good. The Lions have finished outside the top 12 in total yards given up, passing yards against and points allowed 14 out of the 15 years, which is far from elite.

The one year the Lions did have a top-12 defense was 2014, when the Lions were statistically considered the second best defense in football. That was one of the best seasons in franchise history, as the Lions finished 11-5, earned a playoff spot, but lost to the Dallas Cowboys in a close playoff game that most fans still have nightmares about.

In other words, whenever the Lions defense is elite, Detroit transforms from a mediocre football team to a playoff team with a decent chance of playoff success. Coincidence? I think not.

In order for the Lions to see continued success and go farther than the first round of the playoffs, the defense needs to return to the level it was at in 2014, or at least get close to it. And as it was in 2014, this year’s defense has the potential to carry this young team and make them dangerous come January.

PRO FOOTBALL FOCUS: The best in football stats just got better. Elite packages now on sale!

In week one, the defense showed flashes of their elite potential in the win against the Arizona Cardinals. They only gave up 45 rushing yards, and forced four turnovers, including an interception and a forced fumble from former pro bowl safety Glover Quin and a pick six from safety Miles Killebrew to seal the win.

Week two is a great opportunity to see the Lions defense dominate again. The New York Giants did not look good in Week One loss to the Cowboys. They are currently tied for last in the league for rushing yards, as they gained a measly 35 yards on the ground last week.

The passing game wasn’t much better for New York. Quarterback Eli Manning looked old and washed up, throwing for only 220 yards and no touchdowns. He threw an interception as well, and the Giants offense could never properly get rolling.

The Giants have been missing their star player though, as Odell Beckham Jr. has been out with a high ankle injury for four weeks now. He’s questionable to return for this game, and even if he does return, he’s going to be nowhere near 100 percent healthy. That’s a good sign for this Lions defense.

Ultimately, how the Lions play on defense will determine their success in this game. They are playing on the road and in primetime, but good teams shouldn’t be rattled in pressure situations like this Monday Night showdown.

Next: Detroit Lions - ESPN analysts aren’t the only doubters

If the Detroit Lions play how they are supposed to play against this mediocre Giants offense, they should have no problem winning and getting off to a great 2-0 start to this young season. Another stellar performance from the defense can help cement the Lions as a team that needs to be taken seriously, and a team that can play at an elite level on both sides of the ball.