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How the Detroit Lions can fix their defense, plus draft talk

By Michael Kirkland

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 10: Darius Slay #23 and Cornelius Washington #90 of the Detroit Lions tackle Peyton Barber #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third quarter of a game at Raymond James Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. The Lions won 24-21. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 10: Darius Slay #23 and Cornelius Washington #90 of the Detroit Lions tackle Peyton Barber #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third quarter of a game at Raymond James Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. The Lions won 24-21. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Assuming that little changes at the top of the Detroit Lions organization, we analyze what would have to happen to create a championship caliber defense.

The Lions defense corrals Barber
TAMPA, FL – DECEMBER 10: Darius Slay #23 and Cornelius Washington #90 of the Detroit Lions tackle Peyton Barber #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third quarter of a game at Raymond James Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. The Lions won 24-21. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

If Detroit Lions’ owner Martha Firestone Ford, head coach Jim Caldwell, offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter, and defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, all stay, what would have to happen to create a championship caliber defense in the Motor City? Let’s analyze the defense.

For starters, let’s talk about the playoffs. Funny how one play, in one game can decide your whole season. The Lions lost to the Atlanta Falcons on an overturned touchdown and a clock run-off in the final seconds of week three. The team that has a good hold on the last playoff spot? Those same Atlanta Falcons.

Off topic

The NFL should not have a run-off rule when the officials are the one’s calling for a stop in play, but that, hopefully, is the work of the rules committee to fix. The Lions get at least one more play in that game if allowed to continue.

Beside that, there was no indisputable evidence to overturn the touchdown in the first place. But I digress…

Back to the topic

The Lions have battled back to 8-6 and in seventh place in the conference. Of course, the playoffs only accepts the top six in each conference. The most likely scenario is that we are out. We need the Falcons to lose their final two games for us to make it in. That, and we have to finish with two wins. There are other complications, here, but that’s the basic idea.

That is our current state of affairs and it is well documented. Onto the defense.

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