The Detroit Lions defense hasn’t met expectations this year, but come next season I think this phase will have an entirely different look to it.
The Detroit Lions defense has severely underperformed from most expectations coming into the season. The secondary was being touted as a strong group headlined by veterans in cornerback Darius Slay and safety Glover Quin.
The linebacker corps was expected to take steps forward with Jarrad Davis another year in the system and the free agent acquisition of Devon Kennard. The defensive line was the weak link in the chain of the group, but there were some hopes with defensive end Ezekiel Ansah returning another year.
Unfortunately, almost all of the position groups have taken a step back. The secondary has become a liability and that was shown when Slay was out against the Chicago Bears. The linebacker corps has shown some life with Kennard, but other than him the linebackers have been hard to watch.
The defensive line is performing exactly how most thought they would. Ansah has been injured majority of the season and has been limited since his return. It’s bad when midseason acquisition defensive tackle Damon Harrison is your best defensive lineman; maybe other than Da’Shawn Hand who is a rookie.
Fortunately, the majority of the issues the Lions are having on defense will probably be overcome next year. Expect a major overhaul to the defense come next season. Almost to the point where it will be unrecognizable. General manager Bob Quinn was smart enough to not bank the future on some of the players and gave them small deals. The Lions will be able to revamp this defense through the draft and free agency.