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Detroit Lions: Losing this player really hurt the Motor City

By Steven Mullenax

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - SEPTEMBER 11: Detroit Lions defensive tackle Haloti Ngata #92 tackles Indianapolis Colts running back Robert Turbin #33 during the first quarter of the game between the Detroit Lions and the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 11, 2016 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - SEPTEMBER 11: Detroit Lions defensive tackle Haloti Ngata #92 tackles Indianapolis Colts running back Robert Turbin #33 during the first quarter of the game between the Detroit Lions and the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 11, 2016 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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According to this former quarterback, the Detroit Lions really suffered once this key defensive player was lost for the season early on.

The Detroit Lions struggles on offense were clear in 2017. Offensive line inconsistencies caused quarterback Matthew Stafford to get dropped nearly 50 times last season. And their running game woes were laughable, posting a league worst 76.3 rushing yards per game.

But after a surprising start, Detroit’s defense ended the season ranked a lowly 27th. Despite a Pro Bowl performance from cornerback Darius Slay, and quality play from safety Glover Quin, the Lions passing defense still finished as the sixth worst in the league.

That ranking is quite surprising considering the fact the Motor City recorded 32 total takeaways (19 interceptions, 13 fumbles) – third most in the NFL.

But where the defense struggled the most was along the interior of their defensive line. Controlling the line of scrimmage, plugging running lanes and creating inside pass rush mainly fell on the shoulders of veteran defensive tackle Haloti Ngata. The five-time Pro Bowler and former Super Bowl champion played just five games last season before tearing his bicep.

Without the 33-year old paroling the middle, the Lions failed to find a suitable replacement to fill his massive shoes. And one former Lions’ player believes Ngata’s absence might have been the reason Detroit missed the postseason.

"“Losing a guy like Haloti (Ngata) inside was paramount, you didn’t really have an impact player opposite Ziggy, and then you had some issues up front offensively,” former Lions quarterback Dan Orlovksy told told 97.1 The Ticket during a radio interview via CBS Detroit. “I always say if you look at the teams that get to 11 or 12 wins in the NFL, show me their IR roster because it’s going to be smaller than the teams that don’t get there, more often than not.”"

But there is good news for the Lions. After contemplating retirement prior to the start of the 2017 regular season, Ngata was expected to hang up his cleats after suffering his recent season-ending bicep injury. But the 12-year veteran wants to continue playing. Unfortunately, he is also currently a free agent.

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Whether the Detroit Lions opt to re-sign the soon-to-be 34-year old Haloti Ngata or not will likely be determined by how the Lions’ new coaching staff feels about the futures of current defensive tackles Akeem Spence and former second round selection A’Shawn Robinson.

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