Is the Detroit Lions’ poor play the result of weary legs?

Now we all need to realize that the preseason is the preseason and it is almost a completely different sport than the regular season.

Let alone the playoffs.

The offense has not been very cohesive, especially on the line. But the O-Line has still not lined up its entire starting unit together for any game action. It will also feature a rookie starting left guard and because of injuries last year, how much cohesiveness did they build then?

In time I still believe the offense will be absolutely fine. The passing game is still mostly intact. The biggest question mark is still the tight end position although Hakeem Valles has come out of nowhere to turn heads.

The additions of LeGarrette Blount and second-round pick Kerryon Johnson to the backfield have stood out so far. They alone have given fans hope for a better ground game and should both be major contributors.

Given some time, this Lions offense really does have potential to be electric, and I don’t say that in a wistful fanboy way. I say it from analyzing the contributing components that just need to all be on the same page.

The defense, however, is another story.

This unit not only isn’t on the same page but at times has seemed to be playing a completely different sport altogether.

Matt Patricia has an outstanding resume working with defenses that have contributed to Super Bowl championships, like two years ago when the New England Patriots turned a poor first-half performance against the Atlanta Falcons into a stout second half which is what allowed Tom Brady and the offense the opportunity to come from behind and secure another Patriots championship.

When the curtain goes up for real against the Jets, this defense should look better with some actual game planning and in-game adjustments. Even against a talented signal-caller like Sam Darnold, who is still a rookie that has much to learn despite playing well in the preseason.