What do the Detroit Lions need to do to return to the playoffs?

Following a frustrating season under a first-year head coach, what changes can the Detroit Lions make in order to return to the playoffs?

Last offseason, the Detroit Lions seemed to have all the tools to return to the playoffs. Coming off a 9-7 year without a postseason berth, the Lions would appear to make positive changes that should have led to more success, not less.

The Lions still possessed the same explosive passing game, with quarterback Matthew Stafford at the helm. Nothing really changed for this unit, even offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter remained despite a head coaching change.

Speaking of which, the addition of new head coach Matt Patricia figured to benefit the defense. Patricia was, after all, the former longtime defensive coordinator for the New England Patriots. During his time with the Pats, the 44-year old coach would make multiple Super Bowl appearances.

The Lions would once again use their draft resources to help improve their offensive line with the first round selection Arkansas center Frank Ragnow. Detroit would trade up in the second round to draft Auburn running back Kerryon Johnson. Along with the free agent signing of LeGarrette Blount, the rushing game in the Motor City would be much improved in 2018.

All of this should have combined to make the Lions the favorite to come out of the NFC North. Instead, Detroit posted a frustrating 6-10 record and ended the season in the basement of their own division.

After all that positive change from the previous offseason, what could the Lions possibly do to get back to playoff relevance in 2019? Around The NFL Editor Gregg Rosenthal wrote on the league’s official website that Detroit needs more defensive difference-makers in order to have a chance to earn a spot in Super Bowl LIV.

"“Matthew Stafford’s stagnant 2018 season in a stale Lions offense got a lot of attention. So did coach Matt Patricia’s press-conference demeanor. Less talked about: a total lack of defensive playmakers … Heading into Year 4 of his tenure, GM Bob Quinn needs to find some difference-makers through the draft or free agency — preferably both.”"

Rosenthal also mentioned the fact no one in the Lions’ secondary scares anyone other than Pro Bowl cornerback Darius Slay.

With Patricia’s multiple defensive scheme now installed, the Lions will go about the business of finding the right players to run it. That process started last season with the introduction of many new faces like defensive tackle Damon Harrison and linebacker Devon Kennard. You can expect that to continue this offseason in both free agency and the draft.

The Detroit Lions could use upgrades at cornerback, edge rusher and linebacker on the defensive side of the ball. Offensively, the questionable future of Pro Bowl right guard T.J. Lang could make offensive line a priority once again. The trading away of wide receiver Golden Tate and his void could be addressed as well. And due to his injury history, halfback Kerryon Johnson could use a quality running mate in 2019.