Detroit Lions: 3 reasons they are peaking at the right time
By Matt Bosko
Defensive Pressure
Speaking of the defense, the Lions have shown a marked improvement in recent weeks. While they leaked like a sieve, especially against the run, the unit as a whole played a terrific game against the Dolphins.
The defense lacked discipline on just one play, and Kenyan Drake took advantage with a 54-yard touchdown run. If you take that play away, the Lions held Dolphins to just 53 yards on 18 carries.
The front applied pressure on Brock Osweiler consistently, notching four sacks. When Osweiler did get rid of the ball on time, the secondary flew to the ball quickly and limited the damage.
The most encouraging part of the defense’s performance over the last few games is they appear to trust each other and the system.
The Lions employed several fronts against the Dolphins on Sunday, a sign that the players understand their assignments and the intricacies of Matt Patricia’s system.
Improvement for the Lions could not come at a better time.
Over the next several weeks, the Lions host the Seattle Seahawks, then go on the road against division rival Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears, before returning home for consecutive games against the Carolina Panthers and Bears.
Next. The Detroit Lions All-Time Defensive Team. dark
The Detroit Lions are just a half-game behind the Minnesota Vikings in the standings, and this next stretch will tell us if they are legitimate contenders. Thus far, it seems like they are peaking at just the right time.