The 3-1 Detroit Lions are finally getting some love from the national media, ranking in the top three of NFL.com’s weekly power rankings.
The Detroit Lions are off to their best start since 2014, winning three of their first four games. And if it wasn’t for a bad call be the referees in Week Three, this Lions’ team would likely be undefeated.
Through the first month of the 2017 regular season, the Motor City has rattled off impressive victories over the Arizona Cardinals, the New York Giants and the Minnesota Vikings. And this Lions’ squad went toe-to-toe with the Atlanta Falcons, the team that should have won the Super Bowl last season.
Now, Detroit is finally getting the national recognition it deserves. This week, the Lions were crowned the second best team in the NFL by the league’s official website.
"“These aren’t the same old Lions,” wrote NFL.com Analyst Elliot Harrison in his latest NFL Power Rankings. “They are 3-1 (with a bit of an asterisk on the 1). They made the playoffs last year. And since owner Martha Firestone Ford addressed the media midway through the 2015 season…Detroit is 18-10. Also keep in mind that two of those losses came on an Aaron Rodgers Hail Mary and the dreaded rulebook monster. If running back Ameer Abdullah can keep this going (109 total yards on Sunday), the Lions will win the NFC North.”"
The Lions are currently tied for the top spot in their division with the 3-1 Green Bay Packers. While Detroit will welcome the 3-1 Carolina Panthers to Ford Field this Sunday, the Packers will head down to Arlington, Texas to face the suddenly struggling 2-2 Dallas Cowboys.
One of the key differences about this year’s team in Detroit is the resurgence of their defense. In recent seasons, the Lions’ have relied more on their explosive passing attack to win ball games. But this year’s version of the Lions is a much more balanced unit.
In fact, Detroit currently ranks a lowly 23rd in the NFL in total offense. Both their passing and running games are ranked 19th in the league. While the Lions bolster a top ten run-stopping defense (7th). Detroit’s total defense ranking is 17th, 22nd against the pass.
Next: Detroit Lions gameplan for beating the Carolina Panthers
But a key element to the Lions’ overall success this season have been turnovers. Causing them on defense and not giving them away on offense. Detroit currently ranks #1 in turnover differential. The Lions have forced 11 total takeaways (7 interceptions, 4 fumbles) as opposed to only allowing two offensive giveaways (1 interception, 1 fumble).