Detroit Lions, NFC North training camp previews: Defense

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - DECEMBER 15: Jahlani Tavai #51 of the Detroit Lions celebrates first half interception with teammates while playing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Ford Field on December 15, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - DECEMBER 15: Jahlani Tavai #51 of the Detroit Lions celebrates first half interception with teammates while playing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Ford Field on December 15, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
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Dalvin Cook, Minnesota Vikings (33) and Tracy Walker, Detroit Lions (21) (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
Dalvin Cook, Minnesota Vikings (33) and Tracy Walker, Detroit Lions (21) (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

With NFL training camps just a few days away, SideLion Report explores storylines to follow on defense for the Detroit Lions and their division rivals.

In just a few days, the NFL’s uncertain and unsettling 2020 offseason will conclude with the opening of training camps. As such, the Detroit Lions and their divisional counterparts will provide some important narratives worth following.

With the COVID-19 pandemic showing few signs of abatement, extensive health and safety protocols are set to be implemented for every team when they reconvene on July 28th.

Unfortunately, infections to players and staff seem almost inevitable at this point, and every squad will have to make appropriate adjustments to their practices and rosters in such an event. Even so, teams are scheduled to reenter their facilities on time.

Aside from the crucial health and safety concerns, the Lions will use this year’s training camp to attempt to fix the multiple defensive issues that plagued them last year and led to a forgettable three-win campaign.

Their NFC North rivals will also have a number of questions on that side of the ball that will need answering, as with last week’s look at the offense.

So which storylines will be the most essential across the division once training camp arrives? Here, we explore what to look for on the defensive side of the ball, starting with the Lions…

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