How the Detroit Lions can be successful on defense in 2018

CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 24: Ezekiel Ansah #94 of the Detroit Lions sacks Andy Dalton #14 of the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half at Paul Brown Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 24: Ezekiel Ansah #94 of the Detroit Lions sacks Andy Dalton #14 of the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half at Paul Brown Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images)
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While the Detroit Lions have several needs left they wish to address, the void at defensive tackle should have their complete attention.

ALLEN PARK, MI – FEBRUARY 07: General Manager Bob Quinn of the Detroit Lions speaks at a press conference after introducing Matt Patricia as the Lions new head coach at the Detroit Lions Practice Facility on February 7, 2018 in Allen Park, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
ALLEN PARK, MI – FEBRUARY 07: General Manager Bob Quinn of the Detroit Lions speaks at a press conference after introducing Matt Patricia as the Lions new head coach at the Detroit Lions Practice Facility on February 7, 2018 in Allen Park, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

There are two warring factions among Detroit Lions fans. Those who believe that fixing the defense will make this team contenders and those who think curing the ground game will make everything alright.

It is sort of a polarizing debate for this fan base.

Yet one that clearly has a definitive answer; defense wins championships. Enough said.

Now that doesn’t mean that general manager Bob Quinn shouldn’t plug as many holes in this team as possible, but it does mean that their lack of finding answers at defensive tackle will have a domino effect that will hurt this team in the long run if not addressed properly.

It is a given that the Lions will find their feature back of the present and future in the upcoming draft next month. With a load of talented youngsters available, they will have the option of getting an enormously talented running back in the second round or even a gifted back in the third round.

Plain and simple with the Lions addressing that need in a deep draft to go with the addition of former Philadelphia Eagles running back, LeGarrette Blount, and all purpose holdover Theo Riddick, their backfield should be in good shape.

One might even say it could be a strength.

Yet all that really means is that the offense should be better. They should score more points and be more efficient overall, but even the best offenses in NFL history have not been able to capitalize on their potency without a defense that is capable of stopping opponents.

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