Detroit Lions: Do you like the direction of the team?

4 of 4

DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 10: Miles Killebrew #35 of the Detroit Lions celebrates a fourth quarter touchdown with Armonty Bryant #97 after he intercepts a pass while playing the Arizona Cardinals at Ford Field on September 10, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit won the game 35-23. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Here’s why (optimistic)

The Lions defense has been top ten in points per game allowed. Also, as a team, it is encouraging that Detroit has a turnover differential of plus-eight, tied for second in the NFL.

In part due to Stafford not turning the ball over; the Lions defense has already generated eleven turnovers this season. That is good for a third place tie with Philadelphia.

The Lions defense was tied for twenty-eighth last year, with fourteen takeaways all year. That’s a big change.

The thing buoying the offense has been Stafford’s nine touchdowns to only one interception. His touchdowns rank tied for seventh in the league, and his passer rating (97.4) is top ten, as well.

The running game has improved slightly, too. It still ranks well below middle of the NFL at just under 88 yards per game.

Detroit has to run the ball effectively to keep heat off of Stafford. The good news is that the slightly improved run game is not turning the ball over, which is part of the Lions winning the turnover battle, mentioned earlier.

Next: Detroit Lions must protect Matthew Stafford at all costs

Final thoughts

I still have a lot of hope but injuries and the couple close losses have taken some wind out of my sails. To compete for the division title, the Lions can ill afford to lose many more games.

Let’s see if the offense can generate some big plays like the defense has been doing, and get this “W” against the New Orleans Saints this weekend!

Home/Lions News