Detroit Lions: Goal is to improve in 2018, but not too much
THE MANAGEMENT
While the management provided plenty of talent for the offense, the defense has very few play makers. This specifically applies to the front seven.
The defensive line continues to be unable to shed blocks, while the linebackers look lost most of the time. Linebacker Devon Kennard looked the best of the bunch, even getting a sack.
The only other player that got a sack was defensive end Ezekiel Ansah (nicknamed “Ziggy”). Of course, Ansah suffered another injury that took him out of action. Thank goodness Detroit gave him $17 million on the 2018 franchise tag. It looks like another year of struggle for Ziggy, as injuries could affect his play throughout the season.
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Then there is linebacker Jarrad Davis. He simply isn’t making big plays. He had four tackles in the game, and none of them stood out in any way. He should tally double digit tackles every game and make the opposing offense account for him. Instead, he looks like just another guy.
The Detroit Lions lack of talent in the front seven has a direct effect on the secondary. The back of this defense has good players, but opposing quarterbacks have too much time to throw the ball. Not to mention the fact that opposing running backs gash the defense for big gains time and again, which makes for more manageable third down plays.
The problem with management is closely tied to the coaching issues. The idea that you bring in guys that might not be the most highly touted, but that they will be taught (or “coached up”) to do their job. What is known as “The Patriot Way,” which has morphed into a term meant to make fun of the Detroit Lions for hiring so many former Patriots.
The idea is to build a team and win a championship. And hopefully have that one day be known as “The Lion Way.” That just doesn’t look or sound right, does it?
For now, the Detroit Lions roster looks disjointed and unsure. Offense, defense, and special teams: no one had a clue. Well, we could call that “The Lion Way.” But that doesn’t sit well, does it?