Detroit Lions playoff hopes hinge on play of both lines
Defensive Line Updates
As previously noted, the defense did not have a stellar outing against the Browns. Giving up over 200 yards on the ground is not entirely on the defensive line. In some instances, Jarrad Davis, the rookie middle linebacker, did not get off of his block and get to the ball. This was true of other linebackers and safeties, as well.
More from SideLion Report
- Top 5 revenge games on the Detroit Lions 2023 schedule
- Lions center Frank Ragnow optimistic about continuing to play through toe injury
- Detroit Lions 2023 preseason schedule: Dates, times and opponents
- A new contract extension projection for Lions quarterback Jared Goff
- 4 wide receivers the Detroit Lions could still look to acquire this offseason
Players were often in position to make tackles and they just didn’t make them, or they failed to be in correct position.
The Lions were short-staffed. Ziggy Ansah, the best edge rusher on the team, was out. Haloti Ngata, a veteran defensive tackle, is on injured/ reserve. Ansah has not been participating in practices this week due to a back ailment.
On the plus side, Khyri Thornton, defensive tackle, was back in the lineup. After several poor outings pressuring opposing quarterbacks, the Lions managed four sacks of Cleveland quarterback, DeShone Kizer.
Poor blocking on their part allowed the Lions to knock Kizer out of the game, and take the lead.
Only one sack was by an end or tackle, but Teryl Austin, defensive coordinator, is finding ways to create pressure. It does help that in the previous two games, neither team had an experienced quarterback, though. Luckily enough, perhaps, the Lions face another rookie signal-caller this week, too.