Detroit Lions: 5 numbers that have to change in 2020

Detroit Lions fourth number to change

99.6

The quarterback rating of all of the Detroit Lions opponents. They allowed the most passing yards in the NFL, 4,551 yards, allowing 33 touchdowns, and only generating 7 interceptions. This is partly to do with the pass rush but on its own, indicates a poor coverage unit.

According to the Sports Info Solutions website, which focuses on sports data, the Lions are tied for the highest man coverage use percentage at 54%, with the New England Patriots. So, not only did they not blitz, they used man coverage more than all but one team.

Translation: they left their cornerbacks, who were not elite, matched up one-on-one with an opposing wide receivers even though they weren’t bringing pressure as often as other teams.

The defensive line was not going to get to the quarterback a ton, regardless, but it sure doesn’t help either unit when the other is not very capable. Darius Slay was moved due to salary demands and his apparent disdain for some of the moves that the team was making.

Desmond Trufant and rookie Jeff Okudah are new to the secondary, and second-year corner Amani Oruwariye has developed to give the Lions a better group of cover men than they had last year.